Ector County Burn Ban Modified Slightly
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: December 27, 2010
ODESSA -- When the Ector County commissioners passed a burn ban, they did so because conditions were extremely dry. But burn bans can also be a big inconvenience for people living in the country, who don't have trash service.
On Monday, the county considered changing the ban, to allow people to burn trash in approved barrels. West Odessa Volunteer Fire Chief Jimmy Ellis urged county commissioners not to change the ban, because conditions are still dry .
The votes were tied, so trash burning is still illegal. But, the commissioners will allow people to barbecue in approved grills.
"They can still be fined if the fire gets out of hand, but it's not as strenuous on them, and I feel they used a lot of wisdom doing this because we're still way dry," Ellis told Big 2.
Ellis also talked about fireworks, which are legal in Ector County this year. He's urging people to be extremely careful if they choose to shoot off fireworks for New Year's, saying that even the simplest firecracker can start a fire.
On Monday, the county considered changing the ban, to allow people to burn trash in approved barrels. West Odessa Volunteer Fire Chief Jimmy Ellis urged county commissioners not to change the ban, because conditions are still dry .
The votes were tied, so trash burning is still illegal. But, the commissioners will allow people to barbecue in approved grills.
"They can still be fined if the fire gets out of hand, but it's not as strenuous on them, and I feel they used a lot of wisdom doing this because we're still way dry," Ellis told Big 2.
Ellis also talked about fireworks, which are legal in Ector County this year. He's urging people to be extremely careful if they choose to shoot off fireworks for New Year's, saying that even the simplest firecracker can start a fire.
