Outdoor burning is a common practice in rural areas for clearing brush, managing property, and disposing of natural vegetation. However, it must be done responsibly to protect lives, property, and the environment. The Whitesboro, Collinsville, Sadler, Gordonville, and Sherwood Shores Fire Departments want to remind residents about the important differences between a burn ban and a “no burn day,” and how proper planning helps keep our communities safe.
A burn ban is a formal restriction typically issued by the Grayson County Commissioners Court when weather conditions create an elevated wildfire risk. During a burn ban, most forms of outdoor burning are prohibited because dry vegetation, wind, and low humidity can allow fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control. When a burn ban is in place, residents must postpone any planned outdoor burning activities until the restriction is lifted.
A no burn day, on the other hand, is declared due to temporary weather conditions that make burning unsafe on a particular day. These conditions may include strong winds, extremely low humidity, or other factors that increase the likelihood of a fire escaping control. It is an important safety advisory issued by local officials and fire departments to reduce the risk of accidental wildfires.
Even when no restrictions are in place, residents planning a controlled burn should carefully consider the conditions before lighting any fire. Always check the weather forecast for wind speed, wind direction, and humidity levels. Avoid burning on windy days and ensure that the burn area is clear of structures, trees, fences, and other combustible materials. Having water, hand tools, or other means of extinguishment nearby is strongly recommended in case conditions change or the fire begins to spread beyond the intended area. Of course, your area fire departments stand ready to respond when you need us.
Another required critical step is notifying your local dispatch center before starting any controlled burn. This simple phone call allows emergency dispatchers to log the activity and helps prevent unnecessary fire department responses if someone reports smoke in the area. It is also an opportunity for the dispatcher to advise you of any current burning restrictions in place which could keep you out of trouble. For residents in our area who live outside city limits in unincorporated areas, controlled burns should be reported to the Whitesboro Dispatch Center at 903-564-3585 before the burn begins.
Residents should also remember that open burning within any city limits is strictly prohibited. The only exceptions are fires that are conducted in approved UL-listed containers, such as outdoor fire pits or similar enclosed devices, or burns that have been specifically authorized through an approved permit process. Even in these approved containers, the materials that may be burned are limited. Only clean-burning materials such as seasoned firewood should be used. Yard debris such as leaves, brush, limbs, construction materials, trash, or other refuse should never be burned in these containers. Burning these materials can create excessive smoke, increase the risk of fire spread, and negatively impact air quality for neighboring residents. Following these guidelines helps ensure that recreational fires remain safe, controlled, and compliant with local regulations.
By taking a few simple precautions and staying aware of current conditions, residents can safely conduct outdoor fires while helping protect neighboring properties and the communities served by our local fire departments. Responsible burning practices help reduce wildfire risk and ensure that emergency resources remain available when they are truly needed.
Jeff Patterson is the Director of Public Safety for the City of Whitesboro. He can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 903-564-7533.