Smith County Burn Ban Remains in Effect despite Rain

TYLER — Despite heavy rain in the area, Smith County officials remind you that the county remains under a burn ban. Interim Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson said her office responded to illegal burns across the county Friday, and she’s urging residents not to burn trash, brush, or other items just because the area has seen rain. It will be up to the Smith County Commissioners Court to consider rescinding the burn ban, and the first chance the court will have to discuss that is during its regular meeting on Tuesday. The Commissioners Court voted October 13 to implement the second burn ban of the year in Smith County. Under the burn ban restrictions, barbecue grills can be used for cooking food as long as a lid is used. Fire pits and campfires, however, are prohibited because they are not covered vessels.