08/19/2026
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The Smith County Commissioners Court voted on Tuesday, August 18, to issue a 90-day burn ban for the county.
As of Monday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County was at 661 and is expected to go up to 668 on Tuesday. The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800 and is used to determine forest fire potential.
Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reported that the county has seen an increase in grass fires and there are no significant rain chances for the next 10-14 days.
“Rain chances for the next couple weeks show a couple days with 20-24 percent chance of rain,” he said. “Temperatures remain high and fire danger is high. I believe it has become necessary to enact a burn ban.”
The Commissioners Court issued the “Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning.”
The burn ban order is in effect for 90 days, unless conditions improve, and the Commissioners Court approve terminating the order early.
Fireworks, fire pits or any form of outdoor burning is prohibited.
There are exceptions to the burn ban. People are still allowed to cook food in a grill or smoker that contains all open flames and have enclosed lids. Professional welding operations are allowed but all welders must notify and register with the Fire Marshal’s Office before welding outside and follow specific guidelines.
The order also does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, such as firefighter training; public utility, Texas Department of Transportation operations, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; planting or harvesting agricultural crops; or some prescribed burns.
A violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.
Smith County, as well as area fire departments, will work on placing signs around the County to alert residents about the burn ban.
For more information, please call the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-590-2655 or visit www.smith-county.com and click on the red banner at the top of the homepage.
