No Flames No Pain: What’s Forbidden Under Lubbock County’s Current Burn Ban?

That's right, an order has been issued banning outdoor burning in certain parts of Lubbock County due to the hazardous dry weather we've all been blessed with in recent weeks.

What part of Lubbock County is under a burn ban?

The lucky areas of Buffalo Springs, Ransom Canyon, Roosevelt and Slaton are where a public safety hazard has been created. The Lubbock County Commissioners Court has declared outdoor burning in these areas prohibited for 30 days starting March 24.

Check out this map showing the southeast portion of the county under the burn ban (outlined in red):

What's not allowed under a burn ban?

It may sound self-explanatory, but there are actually many actions that are and are not allowed under a burn ban that may surprise you. The current prohibited actions for all citizens within the ban include the following:

• Burning any combustible material (wood, paper, garbage, things like that) inside firepits, barrels, etc., or even ordering others to do so
• Doing things outside that could allow sparks or flames to ignite, such as dropping a match, playing with sparklers or other burn-ey activities

What CAN you burn in Lubbock?

The burn ban in portions of Lubbock County does NOT apply to the following activites:

• Firefighting training, public utility, natural gas pipeline, agricultural planting/harvesting
• Anything approved by the county beforehand
• Outdoor operations like welding or cutting that are performed under the proper safety compliance standards

What Happens If I Get Caught?

If you decide that this is a load of malarky and you want to have your annual family bonfire within the affected county limits, you may be subject to a fine of up to $500 as this is counted as a Class C Misdemeanor.

Also, open flame cooking is NOT allowed, but outdoor cooking in a controlled grill is permissible. Basically, if you can see the flame, you most likely should stop what you're doing.