Hot, dry conditions have taken their toll in North Texas once again, and now all outdoor burning is forbidden in unincorporated Parker County until at least Aug. 18.
Parker County Judge Pat Deen signed an emergency order declaring hazardous fire conditions across all unincorporated areas of Parker County effective Aug. 11. The order institutes a strict burn ban to protect public safety due to critical wildfire conditions.
The order will remain in effect for seven days from the date of signing. The Parker County Commissioners Court could issue a new burn ban if conditions persist.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
Under the provisions of the emergency order, the following actions are strictly prohibited in all unincorporated areas of Parker County:
- Outdoor burning: Burning any combustible material outside an enclosure that fully contains all flames and sparks or ordering others to conduct such burning.
- Outdoor welding: Conducting outside welding/cutting/grinding without meeting designated safety protocols.
Violations of this order constitute a Class C misdemeanor, enforceable by any duly commissioned peace officer, with prosecution held in the Parker County Justice of the Peace Court. Additionally, injunctive relief may be pursued to prevent violations or threatened violations.
EXCEPTIONS & MANDATORY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
- Welding: Outdoor welding/cutting/grinding is permitted only if a positive water source is available on site and a designated individual is present to provide a continuous fire watch during activities. These activities are not allowed on Red Flag Warning Days.
- Authorized burns: The order does not apply to outdoor burning related to public health and safety authorized by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and conducted by a certified prescribed burn manager (under Sections 153.047 and 153.048 of the Natural Resources Code) for firefighter training, public utility/natural gas/mining operations, or agricultural crop harvesting.
MANDATORY BURN NOTIFICATION
Prior to conducting any allowable outdoor burning activity, individuals must notify Parker County Fire Alarm with the burn type, location, and scheduled time by calling 682-229-2062.
ENFORCEMENT PROTOCOL
Local fire departments will respond immediately to extinguish suspected unauthorized outdoor fires. The Parker County Fire Marshal or a commissioned peace officer will investigate reported incidents. At the investigating officer's discretion, formal warnings may be logged in the dispatcher's system for first instances, or immediate citations may be issued.
