08/25/2026
SMITH COUNTY BURN BAN UPDATE: 8/25/26
SUMMARY: Smith County has received 58 outdoor burning reports just one week into the burn ban. The county’s drought index has risen to 705, despite recent rain, and the Fire Marshal’s Office has issued three citations and three warnings. The burn ban remains in effect for 90 days, with violations punishable by fines of up to $500.
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“One week after the Smith County Burn Ban was issued, there have been 58 outdoor burning reports countywide.
Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue gave an update to Commissioners Court on Tuesday, August 25.
He said the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office has written three citations and three warnings, but he did not know how many were issued by other agencies in the county.
Although parts of the county have received recent rains, several days in triple-digit temperatures dried it out quickly, Hogue said.
As of Tuesday, the average Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County was at 705 – an increase from 661 he reported a week ago. The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800 and is used to determine forest fire potential.
The Commissioners Court issued the “Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning” on August 18.
The burn ban order is in effect for 90 days, unless conditions improve, and the Commissioners Court approve terminating the order early.
Fireworks, fire pits or any form of outdoor burning is prohibited.
There are exceptions to the burn ban. People are still allowed to cook food in a grill or smoker that contains all open flames and have enclosed lids. Professional welding operations are allowed but all welders must notify and register with the Fire Marshal’s Office before welding outside and follow specific guidelines.
The order also does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, such as firefighter training; public utility, Texas Department of Transportation operations, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; planting or harvesting agricultural crops; or some prescribed burns.
A violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.
Smith County, as well as area fire departments, have placed signs around the County, as well as billboards, to alert residents about the burn ban.
For more information, please call the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-590-2655 or visit www.smith-county.com and click on the red banner at the top of the homepage.”
- Smith County
