Montague County Judge Kevin Benton issued an emergency ban on outdoor burning Tuesday just before noon.
Citing the threat of imminent disaster from wildfire and drought, the ban is an effort to mitigate the likelihood of such fires. The burning of trash and domestic waste is prohibited, along with maintenance or land clearing, brush, campfires and trees.
The order also limits outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that were authorized by the Texas Natural Resources Commission for: 1. Firefighter training; 2. Public utilities, natural gas or mining operations; 3. Harvesting of agricultural crop or 4. Welding allowed with the following restrictions:

1. The area should be clean 15 feet or more on welding site.
2. There should be at least 55 gallons of water with the ability to pressurize and spray welding site.
3. An additional person should be onsite with welder to spot fires.
   Judge Benton said further action on the ban would be considered by the full Montague County Commissioner’s Court at its Monday meeting. This emergency order expires in seven days.