Denton County commissioners voted Tuesday, Aug. 25, to impose a countywide burn ban effective immediately, citing more than 30 days without rain and a surge in grass fires across the region. The ban applies to all unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county, including Flower Mound and Highland Village.
The ban prohibits all outdoor burning of combustible materials on private property or in any outdoor environment. That includes wood, lumber, leaves, brush and materials used for welding. Outdoor cooking is also banned unless the device uses propane or natural gas with a complete enclosure used at all times.
Violations carry fines up to $500. Property damage from reckless outdoor burning or fireworks discharge could trigger additional charges under Texas statutes.
Fire Marshall Brad Sebastian told commissioners in a letter that conditions have deteriorated rapidly.
"Higher than normal temperatures mixed with little to no precipitation in July and this far in August have contributed to abnormal drought conditions, increasing the risk for large and destructive wildfires," Sebastian wrote.
Sebastian noted grass fires have increased over the past several weeks and warned that continued dry weather will push that risk higher.
The ban has no set expiration date. It remains in effect until commissioners or County Judge Andy Eads terminate the State of Disaster. Only commissioners or Eads can authorize exceptions.
Why now
The vote came one day after a 125-acre grass fire burned near Ponder on Aug. 24, drawing mutual aid from departments across southern Denton County, including Flower Mound firefighters, according to the Cross Timbers Gazette. The National Weather Service had issued an Extreme Heat Warning for the area with temperatures reaching 111 degrees on Aug. 24 and 107 degrees on Aug. 25.
The Texas A&M Forest Service rated most of North Texas under very high or extreme fire danger for the week of Aug. 25.
Ross Wildfire smoke could reach Denton County
The Denton County Sheriff's Office warned residents that the Ross Wildfire in Palo Pinto County, roughly 100 miles southwest of Flower Mound, has burned approximately 50,000 acres and is only 5% contained. Smoke from that fire could drift into Denton County.
The sheriff's office asked residents who smell smoke to determine whether they see actual flames before calling 911, so dispatchers can avoid sending crews to unverified calls.
A separate wildfire is also burning along FM 51 in Wise County, just west of Denton County.
What residents should know
Denton County had already issued a Red Flag Warning on Aug. 12 prohibiting outdoor burning, but Tuesday's action carries the formal weight of a Commissioners Court vote and enforceable fines.
Residents can help prevent fires by avoiding activities that create sparks, never throwing cigarettes from vehicles, securing trailer chains to prevent metal dragging on roadways and keeping vehicles away from dry grass.
To report smoke or fire, call 911 and provide the location as accurately as possible.
