Upshur County Burn Ban Lifted

GILMER — Upshur County commissioners on Friday dropped a burn ban that had been in effect since June. Also joining in dropping bans on outdoor burning late this week were Titus and Morris counties. Gregg County officials may consider dropping the county’s ban at a Monday meeting. During the special session of the Upshur County Commissioners Court, Fire Marshal Paul Steelman said the county’s danger levels have dropped significantly since the commissioners opted to keep the burn ban in effect. County Judge Dean Fowler can reinstate the burn ban at any time.

Commissioners first adopted a burn and fireworks ban in June. The fireworks ban was lifted in early July with the burn ban set to expire Sept. 19. However, just days before the burn ban’s expiration, several fires damaged areas of Diana, Union Hill, Harmony and East Mountain. Commissioners voted on Sept. 15 to extend the burn ban for 90 days. The lift took effect immediately Friday.