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Cameron County officials are extending their outdoor burn ban for another two weeks due to ongoing dry and windy conditions.

The burn ban was set to expire this weekend but authorities extending it following several brush fires and dry conditions.

Residents are instructed not to burn leaves, grass, brush, or any other material during the next 14 days.

Household trash, wood, construction material, chemicals, wiring, etc. should never be burned regardless of a burn ban; these items should be properly disposed.

Permits are required in order to initiate an outdoor burn but the Office of the County Fire Marshal Service will also refrain from issuing outdoor burn permits during this time.

Failure to comply with this instruction may be cause for enforcement action imposed against violators, including a ticket for a Class C misdemeanor punishable up to a $500 dollar fine.

The starter of an illegal fire could be held civilly liable for property damages caused by an out-of-control fire.

Questions in reference to the outdoor burn ban may be made to the Cameron County Judge’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Fire Marshal Service (956) 547-7000 on Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

The County Fire Marshal will monitor conditions during this time and make a decision by the 14th day as to whether to extend or rescind the outdoor burn ban.