County re-issues Burn Ban

January 30, 2012

The Texas County Board of County Commissioners on Monday re-issued the countywide burn ban due to dry conditions.

After dropping the ban in late December following a snow storm, the commissioners re-issued the ban based on a dry January. Guymon received 0.02 of an inch of precipitation, a trace of snow early in the month and a brief rain shower a couple weekends ago.

The ban makes setting range or forest fires illegal. Burning of trash, setting a campfire or bonfire are also illegal.

Equipment which uses propane for road construction equipment is safe, and welding is permitted with certain precautions. Grilling in an outside grilling receptacle is okay as long as it's conducted over a non-combustible surface.

The ban is in effect for 30 days, at which time the commission will reconsider based on weather conditions.

The ban is enforceable by law enforcement agency in the county, and is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $500 fine.