As the home to three colleges and a host of diverse companies, Faulkner County offers a high quality of life. Commissioners also approved placing a stop sign at the intersection of HCR 3110 and HCR 3206 in the Abbott area. Burn bans, 4:30 p.m. July 18. Im not saying theres not a time and place for it, because there can be, he added. Fireworks Order. Hill County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Scott Robinson said that the recent fires have put a strain on dispatchers. Safety is something we need to start stressing, Lewis said. Coweta County is currently under the usual summer burn ban. Absent a high drought index number, County Judge Justin Lewis explained that the countys options to implement an enforceable burn ban are limited without declaring a state of disaster. Contact the Outdoor Air Program at (253) 649-1877 for more information or visit Air Safe Pierce County . Burn Ban Information: A burn ban is an emergency declaration submitted through recommendations by the County Fire Marshal, Forest Service and Weather Service which prohibits any out door burning or open flame during special times of . The meeting concluded with an executive session for the court to consult with the county attorney and discuss economic development. Print Headline: 30 counties issue burn bans as state swelters. Commissioners also made an appointment to the ESD 1 Board of Commissioners at last weeks meeting. Burn Ban (07/06/2022) - Press Releases - Faulkner County Sheriff's Office Sheriff's Office Phone: 501-450-4914 Arkansas Burn Ban 07/06/2022 Please be advised that Faulkner County is under a Burn Ban. Human Rights Commission "In addition, Chambers . Burn Ban Map View outdoor burning bans by county. "And they're not expecting any rain.". From the Arkansas Forestry Commission Burn Bans by County The following counties are currently under a burn ban. Aging Fire safety burn bans are issued by the fire marshal when dry weather conditions heighten the risk of wildfires. Congratulations to Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson who was recently elected to serve as Secretary / Treasurer on the 2023 Metroplan Board of Directors. Hot Springs Fire Department Marshal Tom Braughton said the department responded to a few grass fires in town early this week and then issued the burn ban. On Oct. 22, 2022, approximately 4,000 acres burned in Cooper County during a period of drought conditions, low relative humidity . About; News; Data Access . Welcome to Faulkner County. The city of Hot Springs also issued a burn ban this week, although Garland County hasn't implemented a ban so far. Woodland. While the expenditures will still come before the court, the move will allow the sheriffs office to address any unforeseen maintenance issues that arise and must be immediately repaired to keep the jail in compliance with state standards. During this period, the following open burning activities are prohibited in 54 counties : (1) reduction of leaves on premises, (7) acquired structure burns, (8) vegetative debris from storms, (9) weed abatement, disease, and pest prevention, (11), land clearing, construction, and right-of-way maintenance, and (13) land clearing with air curtain Air quality burn bans are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when air pollution may reach or reaches unhealthy levels. March 30, 2022. Im hesitant to do these things. Janek & Whitten Construction had the winning bid for hauling of materials in precincts 1, 3 and 4. This is in addition to the rule that prohibits the burning of household garbage. UCAT Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Business Services The county has recently had a sharp increase in grass fire calls, although the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which the Texas Forest Service uses to make a . A replat of an individuals property in White Bluff to combine a lot and a half was also approved by the court. Welcome to Faulkner County. He said Van Buren County's ban allows residents to build campfires and grill outdoors, but it prohibits open burning, which he said is the main cause of wildfires. In response, Craighead County issued a burn ban Tuesday afternoon. Taylor County Judge issued a Disaster Declaration Order on May 18, 2022 due to extreme drought conditions and spread of fire near Happy Valley with loss of homes and potential threats and further threat to Town of Buffalo Gap and populated areas. He told the Democrat-Gazette that meteorologists expect the lack of rain to continue. We hope our Web site provides easier access to county offices and services, and gives you a chance to voice your opinions. by: Grace Reader, Kristen Currie. Commissioners also observed and recorded the countys three-month budget report. Burning permits may be obtained online from your local fire district. The new contracts will begin April 1 and continue through the end of March 2023. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter! The Burn Ban for Faulkner County, which has been in effect since September 26, 2022, has been lifted as of 8:00am today, October 31, 2022. Jun. We need to create a culture of safety here.. Local burn bans are enacted by county governments. But once the burn ban is lifted Oct. 1, burn permits will no longer be required for most simple residential burning. The burn ban has been lifted on September 24, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. by County Judge James Baker. New ground. Court Orders for Removal of County Property, Request County Information Records (FOIA), Search for Fillable Forms for Court Matters, Find a List of Judicial Commissioners Sales, Find Where Circuit Court is Located in Faulkner County, DataScoutOneMap (New 911 Address Request Form), Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Faulkner County, Faulkner County District Court - Conway Division 1 & 2, Faulkner County District Court Vilonia Division, Faulkner County District Court - Greenbrier Division, ***The County Judge may, at his discretion, establish by Executive Proclamation additional days when county offices shall be closed in observance of special events or for other reasons. Traffic Safety A lawnmower or a car pulled over on the side of a road could even start a fire when touching grass, Baker said. Pope, Van Buren are latest Arkansas counties to declare burn bans The Arkansas counties under burn ban. The court also voted to waive a deductible related to an auto accident last year. According to Faulkner County officials, the burn ban across the county has now been lifted. If you are a business or family looking for a new home, give us a look. ***, County Judge Allen Dodson elected to Metroplan Board of Directors, County Judge Allen Dodson's Recognition of Road Crew Response to Winter Storms, County Judge Allen Dodson's Announcement of Leadership Team, Early Voting has been Cancelled 02/03 & 02/04,2022 due to Inclement Weather, March 23, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. Find out about current burn bans and their exception procedures. In other comments at the meeting, Swilling and Judge Lewis reported that they met with a representative from the Texas Association of Counties regarding the countys casualty and property insurance claims. 120 David L. Boren Blvd., Suite 2900 Norman, OK 73072 phone: 405.325.2541 fax: 405.325.7282. Commissioners approved an order calling the May 7 constitutional amendment election called by Governor Greg Abbott. Justin Condry, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Little Rock, said dry conditions and low soil moisture led county judges to implement burn bans. Commissioners observed and recorded the Hill County Juvenile Probation Departments financial audit, which the court noted looked good again this year, the Child Protective Services Boards February treasurers report, which showed net income of $9,764.50. ***The County Judge may, at his discretion, establish by Executive Proclamation additional days when county offices shall be closed in observance of special events or for other reasons. Natural cover fires put lives and property at risk. due to drought) to cover a period of 30 days, unless renewed; Executive Order: A law prohibiting specific criteria such as open burns . As the home to three colleges and a host of diverse companies, Faulkner County offers a high quality of life. Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker said he issued a burn ban effective Wednesday at 10 a.m. With his agriculture background in mind, he said he'd noticed the dry conditions and considered issuing the ban as early as last week, but with the July 4th holiday coming up, he didn't want to put restrictions on people celebrating with fireworks. A burn ban has been issued for Faulkner County effective February 15, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. https://www.faulknercounty.org/news/1129-burn-ban-issues-2-15-22 The resolution can be for up to 14 days in length. Call your nearest CFPA Office for more information or questions. 09.26.22; Burn Ban Lifted July 31, 2022; Burn Ban Issued July 6, 2022; Burn Ban Lifted 2/17/22; Apply for the right to burn during a ban if burning wood is your only source of heat. Forestry Division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry via email at. TOWNS WITH BURN BANS. A truck rolls past the burn ban sign at the Fountain Lake Fire Department on Arkansas 7 north of Hot Springs in this Dec. 11, 2017 file photo. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents. He said the county aims to spread awareness of fire safety through the burn ban, and he encouraged individuals to consider whether the fire can wait. They also may sometimes occur during the summer months if there is wildfire smoke. City of Wooster, Arkansas. Help United Way of Central AR Stuff the Bus. But new rules will govern when and where the burning can take place. If the current trend continues, the county could end the year with an unprecedented $3 million in sales tax revenue. Legislature The local sheriff's department enforces burn bans. Top general needs to know. Change). The Newnan Times-Herald. They show you, based on current weather conditions, what the current fire danger is for Carter County. Burn bans are just that a ban on burning which is enforced by state law. The judge said that he plans to bring a safety policy before the court and expects other discussions about safety in the future. Oct 13, 2022 Updated Oct 13, 2022 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Oldham and Bulliit counties issued burn bans Thursday after weeks with little to no rain. (Special to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Richard Rasmussen). (WDRB) -- Due to a lack of recent rainfall, several Kentucky and southern Indiana counties recently issued burn bans. Information Services Contact Us | (501) 225-1598. All rules governing outdoor burning still apply: A burning permit is required for all general outdoor burning. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. As the home to three colleges and a host of diverse companies, Faulkner County offers a high quality of life. He said residents aren't allowed to have an open fire of any kind outdoors. Information on the 2023 State of the County Address, Department As of Thursday afternoon, 30 counties had issued burn bans to prevent wildfires from spreading in the state. View PDF Map, a high-resolution/printable version of this map (does not automatically refresh) 0 Counties are currently reporting active Burn Bans. WHEREAS, the Walker County Commissioners' Court finds that circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated area of the county create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED by the Walker County Commissioners' Court that all outdoor burning is . Washington Department of Natural Resources - Burn restrictions Contact information Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Okanogan counties agburnteamcro@ecy.wa.gov 509-575-2490 Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties agburnteamero@ecy.wa.gov 509-329-3400 SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY CLASS, 09/20-09/24, 2022 Faulkner County Fair & Fair Parade, Lake Conway Community Wastewater Utility Board Meetings, Faulkner County Public Facilities Board Meetings. The Board of County Commissioners has authorized a burn ban in Collier County effective immediately. After considering agenda items related to property development, the court approved a preliminary plat for Ivy Ranch Estates located off of HCR 4434 and a minor plat for Thomas Stone Farms located off HCR 4358. In North Carolina, human carelessness leads to more wildfires than any other cause. Emergency Services If you are a business or family looking for a new home, give us a look. More information is available from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture at the following link, but please be advised that it takes state maps some time to update:Arkansas Burn Bans By County, Administrative Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm; Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, Administrative Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm; Friday 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm; Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. For links to the data sources click here. What criteria are used to proclaim a burn ban? Executive It began Wednesday and ends on Saturday, May 14. You can track daily burn restrictions in Washington at DNR's Burn Portal https://burnportal.dnr.wa.gov/ What are the consequences for starting a wildfire during a burn restriction? The Burn Ban has been lifted. The court approved renewal of the Westlaw online legal research service that is available to courts and attorneys in the county at a cost of $1,064 per month for a 36-month term. WDRB News reported Tuesday that several. Keep your camp fire less than 3 feet high and less than 4 feet wide. If you are a business or family looking for a new home, give us a look. County: Location: Acres: Firing Techniques: Start Date: End Date: Coordinates: Available Fuels: Ashley : 5.5 miles NW of Montrose: 100: backing fire: Feb 28, 2023 11: . They are provided as an awareness tool to inform the public about current weather conditions in the county. Portland Enacts Immediate Burn Ban as of 9:00 pm July 22, 2022 Jul 22, 2022 at 8:45 PM With predicted higher temperatures, and low humidity, Portland Fire Marshal Kari Schimel has issued an outdoor burn ban effective immediately within the city limits of Portland. Judge Bakers Order is attached. Prescribed Burns. State burn bans are enacted by state government and cover larger areas. The 4 PM Burning Law bans open-air burning prior to 4:00 p.m. if the fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which could carry fire to the woods. Burn ban lifted as of 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022. will not be mowing until conditions improve and the burn ban is lifted. Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker said he issued a burn ban effective Wednesday at 10 a.m. With his agriculture background in mind, he said he'd noticed the dry conditions and considered. As defined in law, extreme fire danger means: In addition to evaluating county burn ban criteria, OFS uses additional data related to the wildland fuels conditions and predicted fire behavior to determine the need for a Governor-issued burn ban. Planning Even though it may seem like fireworks would fall under a county's burn ban . For more on fire safety bans, contact your county fire marshal. Outdoor burning of yard debris or for land clearing purposes is illegal within city limits and urban growth areas. Air quality burn bans typically occur during colder fall and winter months. Details. Precinct 2 Commissioner Larry Crumpton expected to be under the $50,000 cap at which the county must accept bids for services and did not accept a bid. Kris Watson, who lives near Blum and serves as a firefighter in Cleburne, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board. Oklahoma Burn Ban Law. Judge Lewis said that the county has been working with other agencies to assist Irene with extensive flooding issues for some time. Previous Burn Bans. Under the Texas Local Government Code, the court can enact a limited burn ban by finding that drought conditions exist and create a public safety hazard. Be in the know the moment news happens. 2022; Burn Ban Issued. Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. By Scott Engle. Fields. Local Food Procurement Assistance Program, Oklahoma Emergency Drought Commission and Drought Resources. Forest Rangers, state Environmental Conservation police officers and. To determine if you can burn on your property, view the No Burn Area maps online or contact the Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCCA) at 360.574.3058. Any person convicted of a violation of a Governor-issued burn ban shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $1000, imprisonment for up to one year or to both. Burn Ban In Effect For Faulkner County 09/26/2022 Effective at 11:00am today, Monday, September 26, 2022, Faulkner County is under a Burn Ban until further notice. Youth Bureau. ***Due to risk of equipment causing sparks and the dry conditions, the Road Dept. New York's Department of Environmental Conservation last week issued a burn ban, which will run from March 16 to May 15. Burn Bans as of 02.28.2023. County Burn Bans FFS County-Enacted Burn Ban Map : This map reflects the county-enacted burn bans as reported to the Florida Forest Service. View Mobile Site. Weights and Measures There are different criteria for county-issued burn bans and Governor-issued burn bans. Governor's Burn Bans will not be listed. 15, 2021 - 6:16 PM. The county has recently had a sharp increase in grass fire calls, although the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which the Texas Forest Service uses to make a determination of drought, has not risen to the level that typically necessitates a burn ban. Jun 15, 2022. While most of the counties under burn bans are in north Arkansas, the Howard, Miller, Monroe, Pike, Polk and Pulaski county judges also issued burn bans this week. When open court resumed, commissioners voted to have the county attorney terminate the countys contract with Global Tel Link for services at the county jail. Probation The Burn Ban for Faulkner County, which has been in effect since September 26, 2022, has been lifted as of 8:00am today, October 31, 2022. Under the ban, Hamrick said his fire marshals can issue citations for anyone open burning at this time, which he said holds community members accountable and prioritizes safety. Even if you just want to stop by and introduce yourself, feel free! A burn ban has been issued for Faulkner County effective September 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m until further notice. A contract was approved with Tyler Technologies for data management software that will save the county money compared to the previous software used across multiple offices. We love meeting new people in the community. You'll love living in Faulkner County. Since the ban was implemented in 2009, the number of wildfires has dropped by more than 40%. Attorney Burn bans in Texas are enacted at the local level, so the most up-to-date information would come from your county commissioner's office. Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Court Orders for Removal of County Property, Request County Information Records (FOIA), Search for Fillable Forms for Court Matters, Find a List of Judicial Commissioners Sales, Find Where Circuit Court is Located in Faulkner County, DataScoutOneMap (New 911 Address Request Form), Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Faulkner County, Faulkner County District Court - Conway Division 1 & 2, Faulkner County District Court Vilonia Division, Faulkner County District Court - Greenbrier Division, ***The County Judge may, at his discretion, establish by Executive Proclamation additional days when county offices shall be closed in observance of special events or for other reasons. Our office is open to the public from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. County Judge Allen Dodson and Sheriff Tim Ryals met with Casey Covington, Interim Director of Metroplan to talk about safety on our roads in Faulkner County. Any person convicted of a violation of a county-issued burn ban shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of not more than $500, imprisonment for up to one year or to both. (LogOut/ Hamrick added that the city hadn't seen substantial rain for about six weeks. alleviating the need for a ban on outdoor burning," County Fire Marshal Ryan Holzaepfel said. Stop by our office at 109 W. Washington in Whitney, or give us a call at 254-694-4344 if you would like more information about advertising or want to pass along a news tip. Court Order 22-231. The Hill County Commissioners Court implemented a 30-day burn ban for unincorporated areas of Hill County and discussed other business during a meeting held Tuesday, March 22. Burning is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and midnight as long as the burner takes proper precautions and attends the fire at all times. Burn Bans posted here are issued at county level only. The bans were precipitated by the dry weather. In fact, debris burning is the number cause of wildfires in North Carolina. Forecast rainfall will continue to keep the potential for wildfire activity low. Never burn trash, including paper products, plastic, glass, and metal (like tin and aluminum cans). Local Burn Ban: Suspends any issued burning permits; no new permits issued; State of Emergency: Indicates that the issuing authority (town supervisor or County Exec, etc) has implemented additional laws due to special circumstances (ie. The intent is to make it easier for county burn bans to be issued and removed (allowing for rapid changes in local conditions). "Don't be burning leaves, it's way too hot and way too dry," Hamrick said. Insurance The Texas A&M Forest . Keep flammable objects and debris at least 3 feet away from the fire. As of October 25, 2022 there are NO burn bans in Kitsap County. Consumer Fraud Contact. . It may not be 100 percent accurate, so for large burns we suggest you check with your local County Judge's Office. County-issued burn bansare passed by a vote of the county commissioners. That determination is usually made when the number reaches 575 on a scale from 0-800, with zero being no moisture depletion and 800 being absolutely dry conditions. As the home to three colleges and a host of diverse companies, Faulkner County offers a high quality of life. You'll love living in Faulkner County. County Auditor Susan Swilling pointed out that the county continues to exceed the sales tax revenue estimate in the county budget. The bans apply to all open-air burning including leaf and woody debris and construction burning, campfires, outdoor grills and other fire activity outside of municipalities where . The court approved an amendment to the countys credit card policy for emergencies that may come up in the jail. Lewis said that the court sought bids from insurers two years ago and generally seeks bids every three to five years. Clark County . County Judge Allen Dodson and Sheriff Tim Ryals met with Casey Covington, Interim Director of Metroplan to talk about safety on our roads in Faulkner County. Other bids were accepted for supplies and services and companies will be utilized based on quantity, quality, availability and cost. FAX: According to Van Buren County Judge Dale James, officials responded to six brush fires in the first four days of July, leading him to issue a burn ban on Tuesday. The judge said that he had only been contacted by one fire department and asked Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 President Ken Goins, who was in attendance, for his opinion. Fireworks Order. About Air Quality Burn Bans Typically weather conditions allow for good air quality in our region, but during colder months, weather inversions and calm winds are more common. Judge Baker's Order is attached. The 4 Pm Burning Law is in effect February 15 to April 30, restricting open air burning until after 4:00 p.m. Wooster is an Arkansas City of the Second Class in Faulkner County, Arkansas. The resolution shall be effective for a periodnot to exceed fourteen (14) daysfrom the date of passage by the board of county commissioners unless the burn ban is rescinded by the same body, using the same method by which it was approved. Communities across the state are under burn bans this week as temperatures reached 100 degrees in many areas with little rain expected in the near future. The rules and regulations for Slash Burning are set forth by Department of Forestry and Department of Environmental Quality. Real Property Tax Service New York's annual burn ban is now in effect. If you are a business or family looking for a new home, give us a look. "Just wait until it rains, then burn," Baker advised his community. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Avoid burning on windy days. You'll love living in Faulkner County. 3-day Precipitation Forecast. Court Orders for Removal of County Property, Request County Information Records (FOIA), Search for Fillable Forms for Court Matters, Find a List of Judicial Commissioners Sales, Find Where Circuit Court is Located in Faulkner County, DataScoutOneMap (New 911 Address Request Form), Dolly Parton's Imagination Library - Faulkner County, Faulkner County District Court - Conway Division 1 & 2, Faulkner County District Court Vilonia Division, Faulkner County District Court - Greenbrier Division, ***The County Judge may, at his discretion, establish by Executive Proclamation additional days when county offices shall be closed in observance of special events or for other reasons. We hope our Web site provides easier access to county offices and services, and gives you a chance to voice your opinions. If you are a business or family looking for a new home, give us a look. Burning is allowed only during daylight hours and must be attended at all times. "Burn bans are pretty cut and dry," James said. After discussion, the court voted to implement a 30-day burn ban that can be lifted by the judge if conditions improve. Air quality burn bans are issued and enforced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency when air pollution may reach or reaches unhealthy levels. Air quality burn bans typically occur during colder fall and winter months. Statewide Burn Ban Status for 02/24/2023 20:45 EST. Access the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Forestry Division's burn ban map at this link for more information: https://bit.ly/3bXuRfn. According to the DEC, open burning is the single greatest cause of wildfires in the state. This list is changed as we receive updates. *** Stay with your fire until it is completely out. Burn Ban Information. Faulkner County in central Arkansas is the most recent to declare a burn ban. James said he's going to "play it by ear" and will lift the ban after it rains. ***, County Judge Allen Dodson elected to Metroplan Board of Directors, County Judge Allen Dodson's Recognition of Road Crew Response to Winter Storms, County Judge Allen Dodson's Announcement of Leadership Team, Early Voting has been Cancelled 02/03 & 02/04,2022 due to Inclement Weather, March 23, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. Welcome to Faulkner County. Any law enforcement officer in the state may enforce both County-issued and/or Governor-issued burn bans. "I'd encourage everyone to pray for rain," he added. For links to the data sources click here. Craighead County Judge Marvin Day said the ban he issued focuses on stopping open burning outdoors. Commissioners accepted a bid from Yoder Construction for bridge and concrete box culverts. County commissioners determine the need with the advice of the countys fire chiefs. Welcome to Faulkner County. He said the state is experiencing a heat drought, and people need to be mindful of the small actions they take that could start a wildfire in the current conditions. ***. The latest Central Texas burn bans, Travis County, Williamson County burn bans, and statewide Texas burn bans show where outdoor burning is currently prohibited in Texas due to. The County Board of Supervisors normally requests burn bans, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission approves the requests. Lewis noted that no bids were received for scrap metal services, and the county will solicit bids again. ***. Goins said that burn bans can help prevent some fires, but there will always be some people who are not going to observe the rules. - Any - Published: 3:15 PM CDT June 22, 2022 Updated: 11:49 AM CDT August 29, 2022 . We hope our Web site provides easier access to county offices and services, and gives you a chance to voice your opinions. Any time we put a burn ban on Im infringing upon your property rights, Lewis said. Information for this article was contributed by Remington Miller of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. What are the differences in length and penalties between the two types of burn bans? County Judges Issue Burn Bans. It is critical that burners take precautions before using . You'll love living in Faulkner County. Burn only local firewood . To get a free permit, call the . The dry conditions, along with a "dramatic uptick" in brush fires led officials to issue the ban. Judge Lewis said that State Comptroller Glenn Hegar has reported that sales tax revenue is up throughout the state and attributed the increase to two main factors: the growth of the state; and action by the legislature a couple of years ago to return online sales tax proceeds to their point of origin.