Hardin County Issues Burn Ban Effective Immediately

HARDIN COUNTY, Texas — Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel has issued a countywide Declaration of Disaster and Order Restricting Outdoor Burning (Burn Ban), effective immediately and lasting for seven (7) days unless renewed by the Commissioners Court.

The decision comes as the county faces severe drought conditions, elevated wildfire danger levels, and worsening forecasts for the days ahead.

“I understand that burn bans can be inconvenient, especially for those in rural areas who rely on outdoor burning,” McDaniel said. “But the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority. Everyone’s cooperation is essential to preventing dangerous wildfires that threaten homes, communities, industry, and emergency services. It will take several inches of rain throughout the county to end the drought, but I assure you the order will be terminated as soon as it is safe to do so for all of Hardin County.”

Details of the Order

The declaration and burn ban were issued in coordination with:

• Hardin County Office of Emergency Management

• All Hardin County Emergency Services Districts

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas Division of Emergency Management

• National Weather Service – Lake Charles

The order applies to all unincorporated areas of Hardin County, prohibiting outdoor burning of trash, brush, trees, storm debris, construction debris, or open campfires.

The declaration activates the Hardin County Emergency Management Plan and will remain in effect for up to seven days unless extended or rescinded.

Violating the order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500 under Texas Government Code § 352.081(h).

Exemptions

Certain activities remain permitted under specific conditions:

• Outdoor burning related to public health and safety authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

• Burning of vegetative material conducted under a prescribed plan addressing natural resource management, as authorized by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

All residents are urged to exercise caution and report any uncontrolled fires immediately.

Context and Cooperation

Judge McDaniel noted that the decision follows guidance from state fire officials and local emergency management personnel who have observed increasing wildfire activity and limited firefighter relief capacity.

“The declaration reflects careful consideration of expert recommendations from fire officials and meteorological authorities,” McDaniel said. “Safeguarding lives, property, and natural resources during this period of increased fire danger requires everyone’s cooperation.”

Residents and visitors are urged to comply fully with the Burn Ban until further notice.

For questions or additional information, contact:

Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel

(409) 246-5120