Cherokee County now under burn ban

As of 11:30 a.m., Monday, Sept. 9, Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis placed Cherokee County under the first burn ban of 2019.

Outdoor burning is now prohibited in Cherokee County until further notice. Anyone caught burning for any reason while under the burn ban can face a fine.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, last weekend's forecast increased wildfire potential significantly, as temperatures reached over 100 degrees. Due to the emerging drought, hot temperatures and limited rainfall this week, cured grasses and brush are highly receptive to ignitions and burning.

“The combination of hot temperatures, emerging drought and increased wind speeds will make new fires more difficult to control,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Analyst.

As of Sept. 5, 161 counties are under burn bans. Burn bans are put in place by a county judge or county commissioner when drought and weather conditions exist that make outdoor burning unsafe.

Texas A&M Forest Service encourages residents even in counties that are not under a burn ban to refrain from any outdoor burning until conditions improve.