Texas County Remains In A Burn Ban

The Texas County Board of County Commissioners on Monday renewed the burn ban for 30 more days, making it illegal for outdoor burning through most of the month of December.

The need for the ban was verified and documented by most of the county’s municipal and rural fire chiefs, including Guymon, Adams, Baker, Goodwell, Hardesty and Hooker.

The ban makes it illegal to set a grass, range, crop or other wildland fire, or to build a campfire or bonfire. Burning of trash or other materials that may cause such a fire is also illegal, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment of up to one year — or both.

Equipment using propane or other controlled burners is generally regarded as safe, such as those used for road construction activities, as long as there is a water pumper on standby near any grassy rights-of-way.

Welding/torching/grinding is OK as long as its over a non-combustible surface at least 10 feet by 10 feet and welding blankets or screens cover flammable vegetation. Wind speed must be less than 20 mph and someone other than the welder is posted to watch for fire and a fire extinguisher is nearby.

Campfires and outdoor cooking are prohibited, but LPG and natural gas grills are OK in a grilling receptacle placed over a non-flammable surface at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

Controlled burning will be allowed on a case-by-case basis provided the wind forecast is less than 20 mph and the relative humidity is above 20 percent. The burn must be approved by the fire department or law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. Failure to comply will result in the same penalties as the burn ban.

Contact the Guymon Fire Department for current and forecasted weather conditions.