Public Information Office 2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4192 McKinney, Texas 75071 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2011

Collin County puts outdoor burn ban into effect

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Officials here announced an outdoor burn ban for Collin County today, due to a climbing drought index and low humidity that have created a high risk for grass fires in North Texas. Due to dry conditions, state and local fire officials are cautioning residents that all outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas of Collin County until further notice.

Fire Marshal Michael R. Smith said today’s Prohibited Burning Order deals only with outdoor and open burning. It is not a ban on fireworks use in Collin County, he said.

“Make no mistake, the conditions are present where careless use of fireworks could trigger a dangerous wildfire,” Smith said, adding that local fire departments in Collin County have fought more than 20 grassfires in the last two weeks.

“We’re asking folks to be extra careful about fire safety right now,” Smith said. “A small fire could spread rapidly with the dry weather and ground conditions we have right now.”

Residents living within a city limits should contact municipal officials or fire departments for specific information or restrictions regarding burning within those boundaries.

State and local fire officials also ask residents to please report all outdoor fires immediately.

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