Smith County Included in Wildfire Disaster Proclamation

TYLER — Smith County is one of dozens of Texas counties included under an Emergency Disaster Proclamation issued by Governor Rick Perry due to the threat of wildfire in dry conditions. According to County Judge Joel Baker, who serves as the Emergency Management Director for the county, declaring the disaster proclamation is a precautionary step taken when conditions are dry to make sure each county will be eligible for assistance in the event of a severe wildfire.

Smith County is not currently under a burn ban; however, due to increasingly dry conditions, the Fire Marshal�s Office is encouraging Smith County to avoid outdoor burning whenever possible. The Fire Marshal�s Office is also reminding residents that outdoor burning is not permitted at all when wind conditions reach 22 miles per hour or above.