Authorities: Rain Doesn’t Make Outdoor Burning Okay

TYLER — Authorities issue a renewed warning about outdoor burning. Tyler Deputy Fire Marshal James Suggs says the small amount of rain that’s fallen apparently entices people to think such burning is all right. But Suggs says it’s not, and is in fact still illegal in Smith County and nearly everywhere else in the state. Suggs tells KETK everyone needs to continue exercising caution.

Officials say illegal burns continue to be a dangerous issue within Smith County, and the fire marshal�s office is advising the public that all violators will be issued citations. According to a Smith County news release, all types of ground burning fires, including those for trash or brush, are strictly prohibited and will result in being ticketed. Outdoor grilling is only permitted within a fully contained cooking device which must be supervised at all times. The news release says the sheriff�s office has worked with volunteer fire departments and the fire marshal�s office to put out, investigate and write citations for illegal burns throughout the county in the last week or so — and will continue to do so as fire-prone conditions are expected to continue throughout the month.