Burn Ban Declared in Houston County

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY –  Houston County officials declared a burn ban in Houston County, after the long stretch of no rain finally took its toll, leading to the declaration Thursday, Oct. 3. 

In a declaration signed by Houston County Judge Jim Lovell, the risk of wildfires and damages to people and property necessitated the declaration of local disaster. The ban will extend for the next seven days, possibly to be renewed longer, given the weather conditions over that time. 

The measure prohibits all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county, with law enforcement ready to enforce the ban. Violators face fines and other punishments as even neighbors are usually anxious to prevent uncontrolled burning, knowing only too well the risk of fire in these dry conditions. 

After a wetter-than-usual start to the summer, it was hoped a burn ban might not be needed this year, but the lack of rain over the last months has made conditions ripe for fires to spread. Local fire departments have been grateful for the slow summer, but now fear they will face the consequences of the mix of dry areas and an uncontrolled fire. 

The declaration also activates the Houston County Emergency Management Plan, meaning county authorities will be extra vigilant – both for fires and for violators of the ban. 

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]