Mandatory burn ban in Denton County

City of Sanger Texas Fire Department responded to a grass fire north of Sanger on Monday on Huling Rd. On arrival they had a few acres on fire threatening a barn. Quick response and aggressive tactics saved the barn, home, and ducks in the pond. The resident was “educated” on burn regulations. Mutual aid brush trucks and tankers came from Krum Fire Department Aubrey Fire Department Pilot Point Fire Department Valley View VFD.

Denton County is now under a mandatory burn ban, the county announced last week.

Denton County Judge Andy Eads instated a Local Disaster Declaration for Threat of Wildland Fires Due to Dry Conditions. The county continues to experience dry weather with little chance of for relief in the immediate future. There have already been several wildfires in the county this season that have burned several acres of land.

The City of Sanger Fire Department quickly responded to one on Huling Road on Monday.

“Prevention of potential woodland fires is essential to the safety of county residents,” Eads said. “Wildfires can be devastating and difficult on everyone, especially farmers and ranchers. Wildfires can destroy not only lives and property, but livelihood as well. With everyone’s help, we can make our communities a safer place to live and enjoy life.

Denton County is classified in moderate drought conditions currently, and the burn ban will continue until drought conditions are alleviated, according to the county news release. High temperatures, high winds, low humidity and dead/dormant vegetation have contributed to the risk of destructive wildfires.

“Citizens should take measures to protect their home by removing unwanted combustible debris and vegetation away from their homes and be sure to keep water hoses ready and accessible in the event a small fire starts,” said Denton County Emergency Services Chief Brad Sebastian. “Always call 911 early to notify your fire department of any fire to assure a faster response and that complete extinguishment has occurred.”

Denton County Judge Andy Eads issued a mandatory burn ban at noon July 13.

The burn ban covers all of Denton County, including unincorporated and incorporated areas, according to Director of Community Relations Dawn Cobb.

“The mandatory burn ban will prohibit all outdoor burning, including restrictions on outdoor hot work (welding and cutting torch operations), and the use of certain combustible materials,” according to the release.

A violation of the burn ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor, which can be punished by a fine of up to $500, according to the release.

Denton County is the 210th of 254 Texas counties that has a burn ban in effect. Dallas, Collin and Tarrant counties also have initiated burn bans in recent weeks.