Smith County’s Burn Ban Extended for 90 More Days

TYLER — Smith County has extended its burn ban for 90 more days. The Smith County Fire Marshal tells KETK the extension was voted on Tuesday morning by the County Commissioners Court. Grilling is permitted under the current burn ban with extreme caution and only within a vessel specifically designed for the preparation of food that contains all open flames and flammable materials.

Under the current burn ban the following activities are prohibited:

• Outdoor burning
• Burning in barrels
• Disposal of lit tobacco products
• Use of fireworks
• Welding
• Campfires
• Any other activity that could result in an outdoor fire

Factors in determining the need for a burn ban include:

• The Keetch-Byram Drought Index
• The current temperature, humidity, and wind speed
• The weather forecast

The current drought index is 654, and the county historically issues burn bans when it is at or near 700. Unusually high temperatures, lack of rainfall, and low moisture levels have contributed to the need for a ban to be issued, according to officials.