Texas Record
Erath County, TX
Critical PriorityPublic Safetyopen

Burn Ban

Summary

A 90-day countywide burn ban was enacted due to dry weather conditions and recent grass fires.

At a glance

Total mentions
13
Last 30 days
3

Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 1, 2026.

Impact analysis

💰Financial impact

Protects the county from potential wildfire disaster expenses.

✅Who benefits

Erath County property owners and rural residents.

⚠️Who could be affected

Residents needing to conduct open-air burning.

Mentions & discussions (16)

Beneath the Surface NewsOct 2, 2026

Soaker prompts Erath County officials to temporarily lift burn ban.

By SARA VANDEN BERGEGot stuff you need to burn? Now you can.Following the much-needed drenching we just received, Erath County commissioners lifted the burn ban effective immediately Friday, Oct. 2.But you better hurry.The order is set to expire at 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at which time you will need to put away those matches.The Erath County Fire Marshall and other county officials will continue to monitor the fire danger. 

MeetingOct 1, 2026discussed

General - Oct 1, 2026

Recent rainfall prompted discussions about giving residents a brief 72-hour window over the weekend to burn debris before restrictions return.

MeetingSep 16, 2026

General - Sep 16, 2026

County leaders praised local volunteer firefighters for battling recent regional blazes and warned residents to secure trailer chains to prevent sparks from starting roadside fires.

Beneath the Surface NewsAug 28, 2026

Woman arrested in connection with intentionally setting 3 Erath County fires.

 Special to Beneath the Surface News In early August, the Erath County Fire Marshal's Office began investigating a series of suspicious fires occurring along roadways in eastern Erath County. Due to the circumstances surrounding these fires, the fire marshal's office initiated an investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers Division and the Dublin Police Department.  As a result of the investigation, Dana Whitley Buckelew was identified as a suspect. D

Beneath the Surface NewsAug 26, 2026

Erath County blanketed with smoke as wildfires rage in neighboring counties.

 By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County residents are dealing with stinging eyes as a thick blanket of smoke envelops the area while wildfires rage in neighboring counties. Erath County emergency management coordinator Chris Brooks told Beneath the Surface News that the smoke in the area is from the Palo Pinto fire.  He said he is not concerned that the wildfires will spread to Erath County, but that doesn’t mean the area isn’t at risk. “Erath County is not on fire, but the threat for wildfires here

Beneath the Surface NewsAug 23, 2026

Join the Effort: Erath County residents invited to shape Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

  Special to Beneath the Surface News​The American Conservation Foundation is working with Erath County to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan that reflects local wildfire concerns, community priorities and the county’s rural landscape.  This planning effort brings together local officials, emergency response partners, landowners and other stakeholders to identify areas of concern, evaluate wildfire risk and outline practical steps that can support long-term preparedness across Erath Co

MeetingAug 10, 2026approved

Commissioner Court - Aug 10, 2026

The county is looking at hiring a dedicated dam inspector to manage 76 flood control dams. These structures are aging, and the county needs to be more proactive to prevent potential failures that could threaten homes and roads.

Beneath the Surface NewsAug 10, 2026

With no rain in site, Erath County commissioners reinstate 90-day burn ban.

By SARA VANDEN BERGEThose summer bonfires are over, friends.At least for the next few months.With no rain in the forecast, Erath County commissioners on Monday reinstated a county-wide burn ban for the next 90 days.Under the ordinance, outdoor burning is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine.So don’t burn people.   

MeetingJul 27, 2026discussed

Commissioner Court - Jul 27, 2026

The court will decide if a burn ban is needed to prevent wildfires. This affects anyone planning to burn brush or debris on their property.

Beneath the Surface NewsJul 21, 2026

Erath County hosting 2 critical meetings on wildfire preparedness strategies.

 By SARA VANDEN BERGE Erath County Emergency Management is hosting two community-wide meetings to discuss wildfire protection plans. The first meeting will be held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the new Erath County Annex, located at 222 E. College Street in Stephenville.  The second will be held from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at The Station, located at 815 N. Patrick Street in Dublin. Erath County emergency management coordinator Chris Brooks told Beneath the Surface News the county is p

MeetingJul 13, 2026

Commissioner Court - Jul 13, 2026

The county is upgrading its radio system to improve emergency response coverage, with testing showing results better than the guaranteed 94.3%.

Beneath the Surface NewsJul 6, 2026

Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue needs supplies for extended fire calls and emergencies.

 By SARA VANDEN BERGE The Erath County Volunteer Fire Rescue department is asking the community for help with restocking its emergency supplies as fire season heats up. The department has a direct link to Amazon that allows you to click on the items you want to donate that will be sent directly to the station.  Some of the items on the list include beef jerky, phone chargers, fruit cups, granola bars, sports drinks, bottled water, deodorant, sunscreen, crew socks and snack packs like nuts, trail

Beneath the Surface NewsMar 9, 2026

What to do and where to seek shelter when there’s a threat of severe weather in Erath County.

What to do and where to seek shelter when there’s a threat of severe weather in Erath County. Beneath the Surface News

MeetingJan 26, 2026approved

Commissioner Court - Jan 26, 2026

The county lifted the burn ban because recent rain has made the area safer from fire risks.

MeetingJan 12, 2026approved

Commissioner Court - Jan 12, 2026

A 90-day countywide burn ban was enacted due to dry weather conditions and recent grass fires.

Fort Worth Star-TelegramMar 20, 2022

Evacuations underway as swift wildfire burns in Hood, Erath counties in North Texas

Evacuations underway as swift wildfire burns in Hood, Erath counties in North Texas Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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