The Shelby County Commissioners Court voted Friday to lift the countywide burn ban, even as County Judge Allison Harbison warned that Shelby County is at elevated fire danger Friday and urged residents to burn with extreme caution.
Judge Harbison told commissioners she had met Thursday with Michael Bradbury, regional assistant director of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, who urged the court to keep the ban. “Because of the pine straw and everything, people don’t realize just how volatile it is,” Judge Harbison said.
The court also wrestled with how fast a ban can be rescinded. Under Texas Local Government Code Section 352.081, once commissioners ratify a ban, only the court can lift it unless the court has designated the county judge or fire marshal to do so, and public meeting notice requirements can delay action. Commissioner McSwain pushed for a change that would let the judge pull the ban off directly when conditions improve. Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator Luciana Barr pressed for consequences when residents burn under a ban anyway, suggesting fire departments pass reports to the Sheriff’s Office for citations.
With Shelby’s vote, three 936-area counties remain under burn bans per the Texas A&M Forest Service: Newton, Sabine and San Augustine. A National Weather Service Red Flag Warning for Jasper and Newton counties stays in effect through 7 p.m. Friday.
Sources: Shelby County Today | Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban feed | NWS Red Flag Warning