Mills County lifts burn ban after rains; officials urge residents to call dispatch before burning

The Mills County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on April 13 to lift the countywide burn ban effective immediately, citing recent rains and agreement from local fire chiefs that conditions had improved.

County officials reminded residents that lifting the ban does not remove all risk and urged people to exercise caution: notify the sheriff's dispatch before conducting large burns and avoid burning at dusk or in windy conditions. David Shaw, speaking during the item, stressed the importance of contacting dispatch and following established procedures for larger fires.

Why it matters: The lift reduces short-term restrictions for agricultural and residential burning but retains public-safety guardrails. Commissioners approved the change after confirming the fire chiefs' recommendation.

The court recorded the motion to lift the ban and the vote was unanimous. No additional policy changes or new enforcement measures were adopted at the meeting.