Which East Texas Counties Have Burn Bans Now

(Mix 93-1) It has been quite some time now since East Texas received any measurable rain. Things are drying up, and the ground could use a good soaking. I, for one, could use it so that I can give my water sprinklers and water bill a bit of a break.

The entire East Texas area has gone without measurable rainfall for several weeks now, and because of that, some areas of East Texas are now appearing on the U.S. Drought Monitor map and showing up as Abnormally Dry, with one particular area showing up as Moderate Drought.

East Texas Drought Conditions Worsen

Portions of extreme Northeast Texas and Deep East Texas are under the Abnormally Dry conditions, with an area around Lufkin and the northern part of Angelina County being under the Moderate Drought.

What’s Prohibited During a Burn Ban

Because of these conditions, county leaders and judges are now enacting burn bans for their counties and making outdoor burning illegal. This includes burn piles, brush, leaves, or debris. Campfires and fire pits are off limits, and proper safety measures should be taken when welding or using any other spark-producing tool. Violations could result in a hefty fine or even jail time.

Counties Currently Under Burn Bans

The following East Texas counties have issued burn bans:

Cherokee County - in effect for seven days beginning Monday, October 6, 2025
Panola County - in effect for seven days beginning Monday, October 6, 2025
Angelina County - in effect for seven days beginning Friday, October 3, 2025
Trinity County - in effect for 90 days beginning Monday, October 6, 2025
Shelby County - until further notice
Houston County - until further notice

When the Burn Bans Could End

These enacted burn bans could be extended or terminated earlier depending upon conditions and the judgment of county officials. Until conditions improve and burn bans are lifted for these areas and Texas counties, any type of outdoor burning is illegal.

Get our free mobile app

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF