05/08/2026
You might have seen the billowing black smoke throughout Abilene this afternoon. At approximately 2:30PM Potosi Volunteer Fire Department was toned out for an unknown fire. Upon arrival, it was observed to be an unauthorized burn of illegal items including tires, furniture, mattresses, oil cans, & brush. Although Taylor County is not currently in a burn ban, there is a list of prohibited items that you cannot burn. Please be extremely mindful when attempting to burn any piles in or around your property. Failing to adhere to the law can and often results in fines from the TCEQ as well as the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.
We remained on scene for approximately two hours so we could allow the amount of items to burn to a manageable load. With tires especially, the amount of water it requires to extinguish it can be astronomical. Thankfully with the amount of rain we have received so far this year, the fire was able to be contained and posed no further threat to any other surrounding homes or property. If you are planning on having a controlled burn, please notify the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office at (325)674-1301 and give us a head’s up at (325)692-2662.