Cooke County burn ban extended as dry conditions persist

GAINESVILLE, Texas — Cooke County's burn ban will remain in place for at least two more weeks after the Commissioners Court voted Monday to extend the restriction on outdoor burning. Emergency Management Coordinator Rand Brown recommended the extension, telling commissioners that the fire weather outlook for the next two weeks does not look good. Brown pointed to extensive dry fuel across the county and referenced a recent brush fire near Denton that burned more than 80 acres in a single day as evidence of ongoing risk. "The fire weather outlook for the next two weeks doesn't look good," Brown said, citing widespread dry vegetation and elevated wind conditions. Brown expressed hope that relief could arrive within two weeks as spring progresses. Rising temperatures and anticipated rainfall should help vegetation green up, reducing the amount of dry fuel available to carry fire across the landscape. The burn ban prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Cooke County. Violations can result in fines. Residents should check with their local city government for any additional municipal restrictions. The extension comes as much of North Texas continues to deal with warm, dry conditions that have kept wildfire risk elevated since early winter. Brown, who joined Cooke County as Emergency Management Coordinator earlier this year, has emphasized proactive preparedness as a cornerstone of his approach. Residents with questions about the burn ban or fire safety can contact the Cooke County Emergency Management office at the Cooke County Courthouse in Gainesville.