Erath County lifts 72‑hour burn ban after weather and fire‑marshal updates

Erath County’s commissioners voted on March 9 to lift the county’s burn ban, ending a 72‑hour statutory lift that had expired that morning. The judge and staff described frequent coordination with the fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, and said conditions were reported as low for statewide fire danger.

The court’s discussion emphasized that agricultural burning and prescribed burns can remain permissible under the Texas government code when weather conditions (humidity and wind) allow. The judge explained the rationale for the prior 72‑hour lift — to avoid unnecessary callouts for volunteer fire personnel on very small burns — and described daily consultation with fire and emergency management staff when making burn‑ban determinations.

After brief debate about variable March weather and the need for personal responsibility when burning, Commissioner Stevens moved and Commissioner Ray seconded a motion to remove the burn ban. The motion passed by voice vote. Staff said the county would issue notifications about the ban’s removal and reiterated that exceptions for agricultural and prescribed burns still apply and that residents may contact the judge’s office with questions about what is permitted under statute.

The court also noted that even with an overall low fire danger, isolated fires can occur and stressed caution on windy days. The decision returns local burning to the standard statutory framework and leaves day‑to‑day discretion to residents and fire officials governed by weather and safety conditions.