Gregg County on Monday joined Harrison, Cass and Marion counties in issuing a ban on outdoor burning as drought conditions deepened in Northeast Texas.
In Gregg County, Fire Marshall Mark Moore said Stoudt issued the order Monday afternoon based on his recommendation.
“The last thing we want is a fire season like we had in 2010 and 2011,” Moore said.
Gregg County’s action came a day after Harrison County Judge Hugh Taylor signed a ban order that went into effect at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Gregg’s ban pushed that to at least 60, but more are likely as drought conditions increase.
Also Monday, the Texas Water Development Board said moderate drought had “increased considerably” in Northeast Texas in the past week. Those include Upshur, Rusk and Panola counties.
The offense is a misdemeanor with a fine of as much as $500.
In Harrison County, Assistant Fire Marshall D.J.