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Posted: June 15, 2006
Collin County Judge Ron Harris issued a Disaster Declaration for Collin
County and Executive Order RH-3-06 June 14, 2006, prohibiting the use of
combustible materials in an outdoor environment by any person.
This came on the heels of Judge Harris’ June 13, 2006 Order banning
outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Collin County and prohibiting
the sale, detonation, ignition or any use of fireworks in any portion of
unincorporated areas of Collin County.
To help you understand the ramifications of the County Declaration and
Order, Plano Fire Marshal David Kerr has addressed the most common “burn
ban” questions as they relate to Plano:
1) Does the City of Plano enforce the County Burn Ban?
The Plano Fire Department will enforce the International Fire Code as
adopted by the Plano City Council and prohibits any open burning within
the City limits at all times. Most of the issues outlined in the County
Burn Ban are already in effect in Plano.
2) Can I grill with my backyard grill?
Yes. The Plano Fire Department is encouraging everyone to use extreme
caution when grilling outdoors while drought conditions exist. Enclosed
natural gas or LP (liquid propane) gas grills and smokers are
encouraged. Open-topped charcoal grills are discouraged as discarded or
unattended coals may cause a fire to occur.
3) Can I cook in a City park?
Yes. But use extreme caution when grilling outdoors. The Plano Parks and
Recreation Department will allow outdoor cooking in parks at this time.
Ground fires, such as camp fires, bon fires, etc., are prohibited.
4) Can I use my outdoor patio fireplace or patio-style fireplace?
The answer here depends on the equipment. The use of outdoor fireplaces
constructed in accordance with the International Building Code will be
permitted as well as the use of enclosed chimineas. The use of open
top/face patio-style fire pits will be prohibited.
5) Can I use fireworks in the City of Plano?
No, the possession, transportation or use of fireworks is prohibited by
the International Fire Code. The only exception is permitted public
fireworks show.
6) How can I prepare to make my home safer during this drought?
• Remove all dead and overgrown vegetation within 10 feet of your home.
• Remove all dead leaves and limbs within 10 feet of your home.
• When smoking outdoors, place all spent smoking materials in an
approved container.
7) How should I discard the ashes from my fireplace or charcoal grill?
Ashes should be placed in a metal trash can with a lid and placed 10
feet from any structure including fences. The ashes may be placed in
your City refuse cart after five days of cooling. Hot ashes can reignite
in your refuse cart causing fire.
8) Do I need a permit for outdoor welding or brazing of pipes?
No, the Fire Department allows outdoor welding and hot work subject to
the following conditions:
• An on-site water source (water hose) must be charged and within 10
feet of the operation.
• Operator must have a cell phone at the work site.
• The operator must remain at the site for a minimum of 45 minutes after
the work is complete.
• Any fire must be reported no matter the size or if extinguished.
Failure to do so will result in a citation.
9) Where do I report violations?
• Contact the Plano Fire Marshal office at (972) 941-7159.
• Open burning or careless acts with fire should be reported to 911.
10) What should I do if I see someone throwing a cigarette out of a
vehicle?
You can report it to “Don’t Mess with Texas” at
www.dontmesswithtexas.org.
You will need the license number of the vehicle. The violator will be
sent a reminder notice in the mail.
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