Update: Burn Ban was cancelled with signed order issued by County Judge Lloyd Lane on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 due to the changing weather conditions.
A Burn Ban has been put into effect today by Freestone County Commissioners Court with a unanimous vote.
The Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning was signed by County Judge Lloyd Lane, and Commissioners Andy Bonner (Pct. 1), Will McSwane (Pct. 2), Richard McGowan (Pct. 3), and Clyde Ridge, Jr. (Pct. 4) on January 14, 2026 and filed by County Clerk Renee Gregory.
A violation of the Burn Ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
The order reads as follows:
WHEREAS, 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.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED by the Freestone County Commissioners Court that all outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated area of the county for 90 days from the date of adoption of this Order, unless the restrictions are terminated earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service or this Court.
This Order is adopted pursuant to Local Government Codee 352.081, and other applicable statues. This Order does not apply to outdoor burning activities:
- Related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for:
- Firefighter training;
- Public utility, natural gas pipeline, or mining operations; or
- Planting or harvesting of agriculture crops; or
- That are conducted by a certified and insured prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resources Code, and meet the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code.
****The County Judge is authorized to cancel the burn ban if conditions change.*****
In accordance with Local Government Coade 352.081(h), a violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
