Rockwall County, Texas – Rockwall County has passed a county-wide ban on outdoor burning, starting immediately and remaining in effect for 60 days in response to growing fire concerns. Citing increased fire threats inside the unincorporated areas of the county, the Rockwall County Commissioners Court passed the order on October 22, 2024. Leading the effort, County Judge Frank New said the restriction would stay in effect until the court decides to revoke the order or the fire risk passes.
Under Section 352.081 of the Texas Local Government Code, which lets counties prohibit outdoor burning when it presents a public safety issue, the county’s decision reflects thorough assessment. The results of the Commissioners Court revealed severe dry conditions and other fire-prone elements in Rockwall’s unincorporated areas, which, left unrestricted, may cause major damage and uncontrollably raging wildfires. The court decided that prohibition of outdoor burning was required to lower the risks and protect public safety.
The Commissioners Court’s priority is to protect residents and prevent avoidable hazards. Any uncontrolled outdoor burning under the present dry conditions could rapidly spiral into a dangerous scenario.
Under the directive, the unincorporated portions of Rockwall County are not allowed to burn outdoors for the specified prohibition period. The measure includes strict enforcement protocols to ensure compliance. Any individual reported for burning outdoors will be promptly met by the local fire department, which will immediately work to contain and extinguish the flames. Should more research be required, local law enforcement officials could be sent to evaluate the circumstances.
Those caught violating the burn prohibition could suffer major penalties. Violators could be cited for non-compliance, categorized as a Class C misdemeanor, which would result in fines ranging from $500. Authorities have made it very evident that the prohibition is meant to be preventive, meant to eradicate possible fire threats before they become reality.
Officials in Rockwall County are urging citizens to follow this rule precisely since they not only run the possibility of fines but also harm themselves and their neighbors.
Although the limitations apply generally, the order does allow some actions judged important for public health and safety. Strict guidelines will still allow burning approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for uses including public utility repair, firefighter’ training, and agricultural. Moreover, qualified prescribed burn managers, compliant with Texas law’s stated criteria, may carry out prescribed burns for as long as they follow the recommended parameters.
These exclusions acknowledge the requirement of some controlled fires under specific oversight. Officials stressed, however, that only authorized individuals or organizations approved by state authorities would qualify, therefore underlining the careful approach the county has taken regarding outdoor burning operations.
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Although the prohibition is set to last 60 days, Rockwall County authorities admitted that should situations get better, it might be revoked sooner. Early withdrawal of the order is reserved by the Commissioners Court, sometimes known as the County Judge, should fire hazards in unincorporated regions drop to acceptable levels. By seeking updates from Rockwall County’s established communication channels, county residents are urged to remain updated on the status of the prohibition.
Emphasizing that safety always comes first, Rockwall County officials are urging everyone for cooperation and patience during this period. The county’s proactive effort is to reduce possible fire hazards and guarantee safer surroundings for all residents while dry weather still poses challenges to many parts of Texas.
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Residents are advised to keep alert, follow the limits, and let local authorities know if any are broken. The choice made by the county emphasizes the shared obligation to reduce fire threats and safeguard the welfare of the society during high-risk seasons.
