Henderson and Kaufman Counties continue to ban burning, and all of the cities around Cedar Creek Lake are following their lead.

Henderson County lifted the burn ban for a couple of weeks in September, but the Commissioners Court reinstated it after being warned about the dangers of brush fires by Fire Marshal Shane Renberg.

Kaufman County never lifted its burn ban on the advice of Fire Marshal Randy Richards.

The Keetch-Bynum Drought Index places the tri-counties area of Henderson, Kaufman and Van Zandt in the red zones of the chart, which identifies intense dry conditions.

Van Zandt County lifted its burn ban in mid-September, but Fire Marshal Charles Allen warned residents via Facebook that anyone losing control of a fire could be held criminally and civily responsible for damages.

Outdoor grilling is allowed during burn bans, but residents are urged to keep fire extinguishers handy in case of sparks igniting fires. Charcoal cookers should be placed on concrete or dirt far away from grass and be kept covered.

Residents should also keep grass mowed around their homes in case of a grass fire occuring.