Officials warn against outdoor burning

EAST TEXAS — East Texans with early fireworks plans may want to reschedule as multiple fire departments urge against outdoor burning and activities involving sparks or flames while fire conditions remain elevated across the region.

According to our news partner KETK, the Rusk County Firefighters Association said weather conditions will remain favorable for wildfire growth on Monday until around 6 p.m.

Officials said vegetation ranges from dry to critically dry, while relative humidity is expected to stay between 20% and 30%.

“We’ve got quite a bit of wind that has picked up over the last 24 hours, which further dries out those fuels and creates fire behavior that’s pretty rapid growth,” Smith County ESD2 Operations Chief Eric Greaser said. “If you’re considering burning off trash or leaves, that might be legal because we’re not under a burn ban. But be very cautious with that and make sure you stay with it and watch it. Make sure that you also have some way to put those kinds of fires out.”

North to northwest winds of 10 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching 25 to 35 mph, are also forecast, creating conditions that allow fires to start easily and spread quickly.

Because of the heightened risk, residents in the following areas are encouraged to refrain from outdoor burning and any activities that produce open flames or sparks.

Officials said any wildfire sightings should be reported immediately to local law enforcement or emergency services.