Polk County Commissioners approve 30-day burn ban for unincorporated areas

At an emergency meeting, the Polk County Commissioners Court approved a 30-day burn ban for unincorporated areas of Polk County after county officials cited worsening fire conditions.

The presiding officer opened the brief session and said the meeting had been posted in accordance with Texas Government Code sections 551.045 and 551.047 and that the purpose was to consider initiating a burn ban. "The recommendation at this time is for us to go ahead and initiate a burn ban," the presiding officer said, noting that a court declaration allows a 30-day ban without calling another emergency meeting.

The county’s Fire Marshal briefed the court, saying officials had reviewed National Weather Service data and consulted the Texas Forestry Service. "The conditions are worsening," the Fire Marshal said, and the elevated fire status is expected to continue for several weeks, adding that the recent fires over the weekend supported the recommendation to impose a ban.

Commissioner Robertson moved to "move forward with a 30-day burn ban," and Commissioner Dubos seconded the motion. The court approved the motion by voice vote; the presiding officer declared the motion carried after asking for those in favor and then asking if any were opposed. No roll-call vote or individual tally was recorded in the transcript.

Following the vote the court took a motion to adjourn. The clerk announced the time was 9:47 and the court said it would readjourn at 10.

Authorities cited during the session included Texas Government Code sections 551.045 and 551.047; county officials also referenced the National Weather Service and the Texas Forestry Service in explaining the decision.