Henderson County imposes 28-day burn ban citing dry conditions and recent out-of-control fires

Henderson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to impose a 28-day countywide burn ban that will remain in effect through Nov. 18, 2025, unless lifted sooner.

The court acted after the county fire marshal recommended a ban based on recent weather conditions and incident data. The marshal told the court he had tracked about 38 fire-related calls over roughly the past month, including several incidents that began with burn barrels and spread across property lines, causing damage.

The recommendation noted the county has not seen sustained rain in several weeks and that vegetation left standing from earlier spring rains remained dry. Commissioners and staff discussed local drought indicators and neighboring counties already under burn bans; court members said nearby jurisdictions to the north and south were showing similar dryness. The marshal recommended a 28-day ban so it would align with the court’s schedule and allow the court to revisit the issue on Nov. 18. The court indicated it could lift the ban earlier if several days of soaking rain materially changed conditions.

Commissioner Richardson moved to impose the burn ban; Commissioner Spivey seconded. The motion passed unanimously by those present.

The ban applies to open burning activities as defined by the county's emergency and fire-safety rules (specific prohibited activities and permitting exceptions were not enumerated in the meeting record). The court did not specify additional enforcement steps during the meeting.

The item was placed on the agenda as “consider and take action on a possible burn ban for Henderson County.” The court received the fire marshal’s report and then approved the motion by voice vote.