Several East Texas Burn Bans Stand

EAST TEXAS — Upshur County Commissioners on Monday rejected lifting a burn ban temporarily or permanently. Gregg and Rusk counties also remain under burn bans. Rusk County commissioners are set to consider lifting the ban Thursday. Upshur County resident Dan Miles on Monday asked commissioners to consider lifting the burn ban for a week or two to allow residents who have been abiding by the ban to get rid of trash. However, Fire Marshal Paul Steelman said the time is not right. Commissioner Mike Spencer said he’d been informed by firefighters that while the ground might be a bit wet, there is not enough moisture up in the air to justify lifting the ban.

In Longview, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt said his office had had no requests the ban end, temporarily or otherwise. Stoudt noted the recent wildfire outbreak that tested area resources. “I know it’s a hardship for some folks,” he said, “We’re going to be very cautious before we’re going to lift that ban.”

Rusk County Judge Joel Hale said he’s had requests to lift the ban, at least temporarily. Hale said he is leaning toward lifting at least parts of the ban, and making it provisional rather than unconditional, but that it’s an issue the court will have to discuss and reach an agreement on Thursday. Rusk County remains under an unconditional burn ban.

For now, the burn ban remains in effect in Cherokee County. County commissioners met Monday to consider lifting the ban because of the recent rains. The commissioners delayed voting on lifting the ban, saying they’ll take a look at it next week. In the meantime they are hoping a system Wednesday night and over the weekend will bring some badly needed rain.