Tarrant County Issues Disaster Declaration Due to Threat of Wildfires; Burn Ban in Effect

Grass fire in Fort Worth (WFAA image)

 Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare issued a Disaster Declaration for Tarrant County on Thursday due to the imminent threat of wildfires due to the drought conditions in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County.

Tarrant County has been experiencing several days of extreme high temperature, low humidity and gusty winds creating the need to take extraordinary measures to protect the lives and properties of the residents of the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County.

As of Thursday all outdoor burning is prohibited.  A violation of the Disaster Declaration is a Class C Misdemeanor and punishable of a fine up to $500.00.

During this Declaration there will be no authorized controlled burning without the approval of the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Also see: Heat Advisory in Effect Until 8 p.m. Friday

For information on Outdoor Cooking and Welding Guidelines you can go to Tarrant County website.

The Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents of Tarrant County to help us during this time and be aware of the conditions around you at all times.

The Fire Marshal’s Office strongly suggests that you keep an area of about 30 feet mowed around your home and outbuildings to prevent a fire from reaching your structures.

(Source: Tarrant County)