Hidalgo County issued a burn ban that will be in effect for 90 days.
The Hidalgo County fire marshal’s office announced the notice on social media Tuesday evening, stating the burn ban was authorized “to protect lives and property.”
Grass fires can spread rapidly during droughts and unfavorable weather conditions, the fire marshal’s office warned, urging the public to do its part in preventing wildfires and asked that they report any fires immediately.
County-wide burn bans restrict outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county and include incorporated cities that do not have their own fire suppression ressources, according to the county.
The ban, however, does not prohibit outdoor cooking that occurs within a “cooking apparatus” such as a grill, pit, etc.
A burn ban is also currently in effect in Cameron County which was issued on March 16 and is effective for 90 days.
In Starr County, the county commissioners approved a burn ban in January and remains in effect while in Willacy County, a ban was issued on March 17, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
