Harrison County added to burn ban list as dry conditions increase wildfire risk

MARSHALL, Texas – More East Texas counties are taking steps to reduce wildfire risk as dry weather persists across the region.

The City of Marshall and all of Harrison County are now under a burn ban as drought conditions continue to worsen. According to Marshall Fire Chief David Rainwater, the National Weather Service has classified the area as a D-0, or "abnormally dry," signaling an increased potential for wildfire activity.

"According to National Weather Service, we have entered into what they call a D-0, which is abnormally dry," Rainwater said. "And so that's where we're at right now across this entire East Texas area."

Officials say the burn ban is expected to remain in place until the region receives enough rainfall to thoroughly saturate the soil and reduce fire danger.

"Clearly we'll be in it for a couple of weeks, but it could easily go for several weeks until we get a significant rainfall, too, to kind of correct that process," Rainwater said.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including yard debris, brush, trash, and other combustible materials. Fire officials are urging residents to follow the restrictions to help prevent dangerous wildfires.

"We usually start with a warning, but if it's bad enough, we will issue a citation," Rainwater said. "Those citations can range from a few hundred dollars all the way up to a couple thousand dollars."

So far, Harrison County has avoided any major wildfires. However, neighboring Panola County recently battled a 30-acre wildfire and has extended its burn ban for 90 days as dry conditions continue.

Rainwater said officials will continue monitoring drought indicators, including the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, before considering lifting the restrictions.

"As soon as we start to see that drought, that KDBI score come down and lower, then we know that the fuels are being saturated and then we can start to lift those burn bans," he said.

Until then, fire officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and avoid any activity that could spark a wildfire.

Here's a complete list of Texas counties currently under burn bans: "Burn Bans Across the ArkLaTex"