Cooke County Burn Ban in Effect; Special Court Set Aug 14

GAINESVILLE, Texas — Cooke County Commissioners Court has instituted a countywide burn ban effective immediately, citing increased fire activity and hazardous conditions across the county. The court voted at Monday's meeting to implement the ban after several weeks of hot, dry weather. Emergency Management Coordinator Brand Brown noted that precipitation the county had hoped for in recent weeks did not materialize, worsening conditions. The sheer volume of fire incidents and fire calls over the last week prompted the action. Brown said every single day has seen at least one fire event around the county, often more. While some fires have been accidents that a burn ban would not have prevented, there have also been controlled burns that became uncontrolled very quickly, according to Brown. Commissioner Gary Freund said the ban makes residents more aware of the conditions: "It just makes them more aware of what's going on." The burn ban applies to unincorporated areas of Cooke County. Residents can find the full order and restrictions on the Cooke County website at co.cooke.tx.us. A special Commissioners Court meeting is scheduled for August 14, according to the county's public notices calendar.