Sabine County Issues 30-Day Burn Ban Amid Ongoing Drought Conditions

SABINE COUNTY, Texas — The Sabine County Commissioners Court has issued a countywide burn ban, prohibiting outdoor burning for a period of 30 days due to dangerously dry conditions and elevated wildfire risks.

The order, signed Monday, cites extended lack of rainfall, hot, dry weather, and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) exceeding 700 as key factors contributing to the decision. The KBDI measures drought severity and wildfire potential, with readings above 600 indicating extreme risk.

What the Order Says

According to the declaration, all outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Sabine County for 30 days from the date of adoption, unless terminated earlier based on improved conditions.

“Circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated area of the county create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning,” the order states.

The Commissioners Court emphasized that these conditions pose “the threat of large, dangerous, and fast-moving wildfires” that could endanger lives and property.

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

Exemptions

The burn ban does not apply to:

• Outdoor burning related to public health and safety activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), such as firefighter training or utility and pipeline operations.

• Agricultural burning conducted under a prescribed burn plan and managed by a certified burn manager as defined by Texas Natural Resources Code §153.047 and §153.048.

When It Could End

The ban will remain in effect for 30 days unless:

1. The Texas Forest Service determines drought conditions no longer exist, or

2. The Sabine County Commissioners Court or County Judge rescinds the order after verifying improved conditions.

Regional Trend

Sabine County joins neighboring Jasper and Hardin Counties, which also declared local disasters and burn bans this week amid worsening drought conditions across Deep East Texas.

Local officials urge residents to avoid any open flames, properly extinguish cigarettes, and report smoke or fires immediately to 911.