The Panola County Commissioners Court has approved a 90-day burn ban in unincorporated areas of the county. The court cited drought conditions and the potential hazards of outdoor burning. Order #2026-10 was adopted Nov. 3 by a unanimous 5-0 vote.
The order prohibits all outdoor burning for 90 days from the adoption date. The court can end the restrictions earlier after considering the Panola County Fire Marshal's input. Some burns are exempt, including those authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for public health and safety, firefighting training, utility, natural gas pipeline and mining operations, and agricultural crop planting or harvesting. Burns by certified prescribed burn managers are also exempt. Outdoor cooking is allowed only in enclosed pits or grills.
According to the order, violations are Class C misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $500, under Local Government Code Section 352.081(h).