Court Order Prohibits Outdoor Burning as Drought Conditions Increase

SAN ANGELO – Tom Green County Commissioners Tuesday issued an order prohibiting outdoor burning in the County as drought conditions intensify. 

The ban on outdoor burning went into effect Friday morning Dec. 10 at 7 a.m. and lasts for 90 days or until the County Judge rescinds the order.  

The burn ban does not prohibit prescribed burns authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality like the controlled burns at the San Angelo State Park.  

The burn ban also doesn't apply to gas grills. 

The main purpose of the burn ban is to reduce the threat of wildfires starting from individuals burning trash on private property.  The ban also doesn't apply inside the city limits of San Angelo; however, there is always a ban on outdoor burning inside the city limits.  

Violation of this order is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of  up to $500.00.