Ellis County has hit pause on outdoor flames. The Commissioners Court voted yesterday to approve a countywide burn ban that took effect immediately, targeting all unincorporated areas of the county as dry conditions and fire danger continue to climb. County leaders are urging residents to knock it off with outdoor burning until the ban is lifted.
According to the Ellis County Fire Marshal, the Commissioners Court adopted the order during yesterday's meeting, and the restriction will stay in place until the court rescinds it. County notices emphasize that the ban specifically covers unincorporated parts of Ellis County.
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office spelled it out in plain language, posting that all outdoor burning is prohibited, including brush piles, trash piles, and campfires. The post cites dry conditions and increased fire danger as the driving reasons and credits the Ellis County Commissioners Court as the author of the notice.
What The Ban Covers
Officials say the burn ban blocks most types of outdoor burning in unincorporated Ellis County, although state law still carves out some narrow exceptions in limited situations. The TCEQ's Outdoor Burning guide details those exceptions, the weather conditions that must be met, and the nuisance rules that apply to any allowable fires. The guide also makes clear that local burn bans override the usual general permissions.
What Residents Should Do
Residents with questions or urgent concerns are asked to contact the Ellis County Fire Marshal at 972-825-5555 or check the Fire Marshal page for updates and guidance. If you see smoke or an active fire, call 911 right away. The burn ban will stay in effect until the Commissioners Court decides conditions have improved.
For now, the order is in force until further notice. County officials say they will revisit the restriction as conditions change, so keep an eye on Ellis County's official channels for the latest from the Commissioners Court and public safety agencies.
