Bell County (FOX 44/KWKT) — UPDATE: Bell County Judge David Blackburn has lifted the burn ban temporarily.

They say this order shall expire at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, thereby reinstating the Burn Ban Order adopted on October 2 establishing a burn ban until 10 a.m., Monday, November 6, or until otherwise lifted or amended.

Judge David Blackburn made this decision after storms moved through the county overnight, delivery over an inch and a half of rain to some areas of the county.

This comes after the Commissioners Court extended the burn ban until November 6. The commissioners briefly lifted the ban on September 15, but then reinstated it a few days later.

The ban is on all outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Bell County. It can be lifted earlier either by the commissioners or by Judge David Blackburn. Violating the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

McLennan County is not under a burn ban at this time. County Judge Scott M. Felton lifted the ban on September 15.

There is a Reg Flag Warning Burn Ban Order in place for McLennan County. This means there is no burning allowed in the unincorporated areas of the county when the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning. There is not one in place.

FOX 44’s Chief Meteorologist Mike LaPoint will have more on burn bans during FOX 44 News @ 5:30 and 6 p.m.