Warmer, drier conditions raise fire risk

Van Zandt County has found itself in a relatively rare position during the dog days of summer so far, benefitting from unseasonably heavy rainfalls early in the year and ducking hundred degree temperatures until just recently.

With July fading into August and a steadier onslaught of the usual summer conditions for East Texas, favorable conditions for grass fires are also on the rise.

Although the county is currently not under a burn ban, Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen wants residents to “exercise great caution when burning.”

Vegetation is extremely dry right now, Allen said, and with the afternoon decrease in relative humidity this can lead to rapid and intense grass fires.

Every city in the county has ordinances in place that ban the burning of brush or trash within the city limits. Allen explained that while permits are not required to burn in Van Zandt County (outside the local city limits), a few guidelines should always be followed when burning brush or garbage to limit potentially hazardous situations. 

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