Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
<font color="red"CAUTION"</FONT> COUNTY BURN BAN BACK IN PLACE
From Staff Reports
PALO PINTO – In a special meeting Tuesday, Palo Pinto County commissioners voted unanimously to order a 90-day ban on all outdoor burning.
The order states that commissioners “determined that circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated area of Palo Pinto County create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.”
A handful of controlled burns that reportedly got out of control last week helped punctuate the hazardous conditions.
Smiddy said a couple of commissioners received comments from local departments supporting the ban. He attributed the need based on the current drop in humidity and increased temperatures.
“Several of our neighboring counties have put in place burn bans,” Smiddy said, citing Stephens, Eastland, Somervell, Erath and Wise counties that currently have bans in place.
Smiddy said he watches Eastland and Young counties regarding burn bans, “because of the similar circumstances that we faced in the past.”
The order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety and authorized by the Texas Natural Resources Commission for firefighting training, public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations, planting or harvesting of agricultural crops or burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager.
The ban allows the following activities:
• Outdoor burning when used solely for recreational and noncommercial preparation of food or exclusively as a means to provide warmth in cold weather (such as campfires and cooking fires).
• Outdoor cooking on gas fired or charcoal grills.
A violation of the county burn ban results in a Class “C” misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
What does this mean for fireworks?
Although the ban does not prohibit fireworks, Smiddy urges citizens to attend one of the organized pyrotechnic shows around the area. “Enjoy it and you don’t have to worry about the danger,” he said.
By law, a citizen who starts any type of fire – either by burning trash or shooting off fireworks – that burns anyone’s property is civilly liable for any damage and can be charged with “reckless damages” – a Class C misdemeanor – according to Fire Marshal Barry Gill.
The Texas Forest Service warns that sparks from fireworks and other outdoor activities, combined with dry “fuels” like grass and shrubs, could start a devastating wildfire.
“Many Texans use fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July,” TFS Fire Operations Chief Mark Stanford said in a statement last week. “TFS encourages Texans to use fireworks safely. Citizens should be diligent in protecting themselves and their property from accidental wildfires.”
“Fireworks should only be used under close adult supervision and in safe areas, away from grass and brush,” said Sandra Taylor, TFS fire prevention specialist. “A water hose, bucket of water and wet towels should be kept nearby in case they are needed to stop small fires. Used fireworks should be disposed of in a bucket of water.”
- Local News
-
-
Man, woman arrested in drug bust at local bar
Gary Ross Nickols, 56, of Mineral Wells, and Elise Nichole Dalton, 25, of Millsap, were arrested Tuesday around 2:30 p.m. at a bar in the 1600 block of South Oak after Mineral Wells police assisted the City-County Narcotics Unit, reportedly acting on information obtained by CCNU.
-
Thursday Blotter - September 2, 2010
The following people were processed through the Palo Pinto County Jail.
-
Mineral Wells ISD trustees set 2011 budget, tax rate
Before Mineral Wells ISD's trustees were ready to vote Tuesday on the district's 2011 budget and tax rate, Board President Joe Ruelas repeatedly asked a room full of mostly empty chairs, “Does anybody in the public have any questions ... anyone?”
-
Womans Club's first fall meeting this Wednesday
The Womans Club of Mineral Wells will have its first fall meeting Wednesday at the Womans Club Building (old post office) starting at 11:30 a.m.
-
Input sought at NRCS conservation meeting
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Palo Pinto County Soil and Water Conservation District invite the public and any agencies with an interest in conservation issues to participate in a local work group meeting Wednesday.
-
County Records
Aug. 23-30
County Clerk, Bobbie Smith -
Man involved in bar fight ends up at hospital
A man was transported to the hospital after a fight at a bar in the 2800 block of U.S. Highway 281 South around midnight Sunday, according to police, who provided backup to the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office on the call.
-
Vietnam War Museum
The annual Friends of the National Vietnam War Museum spring fundraiser this year will be a fall fundraiser.
-
Ram Band
The Mineral Wells Ram Band Fan Club is pleased to offer the opportunity to sponsor the 2010 Rams football program.
-
Helping sell baked goodies
Lorean Weldon and Betty Keller help sell baked goodies Friday afternoon at Palo Pinto Nursing and Rehab.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man, woman arrested in drug bust at local bar
