Limestone County Commissioners Court prohibits outdoor burning effective immediately

Limestone County Commissioners Court prohibited outdoor burning in all unincorporated areas of the county, effective immediately, according to an order signed by County Judge Richard Duncan Jan. 14.  

Violations could result in a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. 

The order came after a review of information on drought conditions from the National Weather Service, the Texas Forest Services Keetch Byram Drought Index, and various knowledgeable individuals. 

The Court found prolonged dry and windy conditions have contributed to a lack of ground moisture and expansive dry vegetation in unincorporated areas of Limestone County. Local weather forecasts indicate dry, windy conditions will continue with no expectations for significant rainfall in the near future.

The ban will be lifted after 90 days or until Commissioners Court terminates the order, whichever comes earlier.