August 16, 2015 – Friday afternoon, Franklin County Commissioners Court put in place a burn ban for the county. The ban covers the next 90 days and bans all burning in the county. The decision was reached when it was determined that circumstances were present in the unincorporated area of the county creating a public safety hazard. Lack of rainfall and heat contributed to the decision.
Violation of the ban carries a $500 fine. Several large fires occurred in Franklin County over the weekend. Almost all of the fire fighter protection for that county is volunteer. Certain burns are allowed under the terms of the ban including burns for firefighter training, public safety, natural gas or mining operations, or planting or harvesting agricultural crops.
The ban may be lifted prior to the end of the 90 day period by either the Franklin County Commissioners or the Texas Forest Service.