Rusk County Burn Ban Status
August 11, 2026 - A full ban on outdoor burning has been placed in effect by the Rusk County Commissioners Court. A copy of the order is included below the graphic.
ORDER NUMBER 2026-08-04CC
AN ORDER PROHIBITING OUTDOOR BURNING BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF RUSK
COUNTY, TEXAS
Commissioners Court Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning
WHEREAS, the Commissioners Court of Rusk County, Texas, has been advised of the present
drought conditions and fire weather; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners Court finds that conditions in the county's unincorporated areas
pose a public safety hazard that outdoor burning would worsen; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioners Court is authorized to prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in the
unincorporated area of the county under Texas Local Government Code, Section 352.081;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Commissioners Court of Rusk County, Texas, that:
1. Outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Rusk County
2. Exceptions include outdoor burning for public health and safety authorized by the TCEQ, and
burns conducted by a certified prescribed burn manager following Texas Natural Resources
Code requirements.
3. Outdoor cooking in contained grills or fire pits is allowed with adequate fire suppressant on
site.
4. This order is effective immediately for no more than 90 days, unless ended earlier or renewed.
5. Violating this order is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500.
Adopted this 11th day of August, 2026
/s/ Joel Hale
Joel Hale, Rusk Co. Judge
/s/ Randy Gaut
Randy Gaut, Pct. 1
/s/ Robert Kuykendall
Robert Kuykendall, Pct. 2
/s/ Greg Gibson
Greg Gibson, Pct. 3
/s/ Bennie Whitworth
Bennie Whitworth, Pct. 4
ATTEST:
/s/ Trudy McGill
Trudy McGill, Rusk County Clerk