Athens Review, Athens, Texas

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March 1, 2008

Fire emergency declared for next seven days

By Rich Flowers

Henderson County Judge David Holstein issued a Local Emergency Declaration Friday, prohibiting any outdoor burning for a period not to exceed seven days.

The ban applies to all outdoor fires, including the types allowed under the present 30-day ban which is set to expire next week. The ban may be extended by the Henderson County Commissioners Court.

Under the burn ban enacted Feb. 8, all burns except prescribed burns or those which were approved by a county official were allowed.

In a declaration which went into effect upon its release, Holstein said a state of disaster exists in the county. The county, Holstein said, is in danger of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of property as a result of wildfires.

The latest declaration follows on the heels of a 24 to 48 hour ban Holstein issued Monday after receiving information from the state emergency management department stating conditions were prime for wildfires.

The Henderson County Fire Marshall’s Office and local volunteer fire departments have been instructed to be on call to extinguish any illegal burns reported in the county. Fire officials have been active in enforcing burn restrictions since the 30- day ban was issued.

Wednesday was a peak day for illegal burn reports. The volunteer fire departments from Brownsboro, Shady Oaks, Chandler, Berryville, Murchison and Athens all responded to illegal burns.

Written warnings and citations can be issued to residents conducting illegal burns. Violators can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

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