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Cameron County officials have extended an outdoor burn ban for another 30 days due to ongoing drought conditions.

The Cameron County Commissioners voted on Thursday to extend the Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning.

The decision was based on the recommendation of Cameron County Fire Marshal Armando Lucio in conjunction with Cameron County Emergency Management Coordinator Humberto Barrera.

Effective between Friday, October 28, 2011 and Saturday, November 26, 2011, the order prohibits all outdoor burning of any ground debris. 

“We’re asking residents not to burn leaves, grass, brush, or any other material during this time period,” emphasized Cameron County Emergency Management Coordinator Humberto Barrera. “As always, household trash, wood, construction material, chemicals, wiring, etc. should never be burned regardless of a burn ban; these items should be properly disposed.”

The office of the County Fire Marshal Service will refrain from issuing outdoor burn permits during this time.

Today, the National Drought Mitigation Center released its Texas Drought Monitor report. 

The report, a synthesis of multiple indices and impacts, designated areas across Cameron County as either “drought-exceptional”—the most serious level of intensity, “drought extreme” or “drought severe”. 

Also today, the Texas Forest Service released its Keetch-Byrum Drought Index, giving Cameron County a range of 600-700, the second highest drought index that is measured by this soil/duff drought index.

Failure to comply with this order may be cause for enforcement action imposed against violators. 

Persons caught burning during a burn ban may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and fined up to $500 dollars.

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 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday thorught Friday.