Just because rain is in the forecast, that doesn't mean burn bans will be lifted

With the possibility of a few days of rain in the forecast, many people are already thinking about bon fires, s'mores, and fall family fun! However, if you live in Southeast Texas, all surrounding counties are still under burn bans with fines of up to $500!

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said today, "We are currently under extreme drought conditions. Although the forecasted potential rainfall will be a blessing to receive and will definitely help, it will take several more days of rain to move us out of these drought conditions".

In times past, when the area would receive a few days of rain, residents would begin burning debris or garbage, thinking that the ban is over. But, until the County Judge rescinds the burn ban, it isn't over and tickets for burning are likely.

Allen added, "In the same manner that it takes quite a while for a county to move into conditions that would warrant a burn ban to be put in place, it also takes time and a lot of rain to move a county back into favorable conditions that would allow for the ban to be rescinded".

Allen closed by saying, " We ask that everybody continue to work together to protect lives and property and continue to allow our volunteer fire personnel and other emergency responders time to rest and recuperate in between fires."