Judge Declares Burn Ban for Upshur County

GILMER — Upshur County Judge Todd Tefteller has ordered a burn ban for the entire county until further notice. According our news partner KETK, the latest drought monitor shows moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions have developed over portions of Northeast Texas and Northwest Louisiana. In the order, Judge Tefteller cites “present circumstances in all or part of the unincorporated areas of Upshur County (that) create a public hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.” The order bans “all outdoor burning” for 10 days from the order’s issue (August 30) “unless the restriction is terminated earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service” or the judge’s court. Violation of the order could result in a fine of $500 and would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor.