Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 21, 2008

Outdoor Burn Ban lifted for Rural Collin County

(McKINNEY, Texas) – County authorities today lifted an outdoor burn ban for Collin County, after this week’s rains reduced risks of grass fires across North Texas.

County Commissioner Joe Jaynes, acting county judge, lifted the 90-day ban this morning since 4-8 inches of rain yesterday in parts of the county dropped the drought index here well below extreme fire danger levels that had existed since June.

The ban, which went into effect July 22, was the second such restriction issued this year and affected unincorporated areas of the county only. From January to March, outdoor burning was prohibited when sparse winter rains created dangerous grass fire conditions.

Despite the ban being lifted, fire officials are reminding rural residents that outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county still requires a permit from the Collin County Fire Marshal’s Office. For more information, please contact Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh at 972-548-5576 during business hours.

###