It’s Currently Illegal To Burn In These East Texas Counties

Updated 03.20.25 @ 16:47

(KTYL-FM) - When you think about Spring, you think about pollen, flowers and leaves in bloom, mowing the grass, showers, thunderstorms along with the potential of hail, high winds, and tornadoes. You don't often think about burn bans, but here we are.

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Three East Texas counties issue county-wide burn bans

Burn bans usually go up during extremely hot and dry conditions during the summer months and on into fall, but this year they've arrived on the last day of winter.

• Morris County
• Upshur County
• Marion County
• Harrison County
• Polk County
• Cass County
• Anderson County

These three counties issued burn bans on Wednesday (March 19th). East Texas has experienced some fierce winds throughout the past couple of weeks as late winter cold fronts move through bringing with them strong winds before and after the front along with very low humidity levels.

Those conditions in conjunction with limited rainfall lately have created prime conditions for any outdoor burning to quickly get out of control and turn into a wildfire.

Morris County officials issued a burn ban that will be in effect for seven days unless it is renewed by the county commissioners' court.

Upshur County issued its burn ban for 10 days which only affects the unincorporated areas of the county.

Marion County issued a burn ban that is in effect for seven days unless extended by the county commissioners' court.

Harrison County issued a burn ban lasting for seven days.

Polk County issues a burn ban.

Cass County issues a burn ban for seven days.

Anderson County has issued a burn ban lasting for seven days.

Penalty for violating a Texas Burn Ban

Intentionally violating a burn ban is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500. In addition, any damage resulting from a burn may result in civil penalties in addition to the possibility of criminal charges being filed.

Exceptions to Texas Burn Bans

You are still allowed to use your gas grill, barbecue grills and smokers for cooking only if they are under supervision and fully covered. Welders may continue to work but must coordinate with local fire officials about their work.

Fire officials across Smith and Marion County today (March 19th) were fighting wildfires along with some very unfavorable weather conditions.

If it is still legal to do any burning in your area and you are burning, please be aware of its size and be able to have enough water on hand or a water source to put it out.