City of Gilmer reinstates burn ban

By Phillip Williams

Gilmer city officials late Tuesday afternoon re-instituted the ban on outdoor burning in the city limits after Fire Chief Billy Joe Williams determined the water table was low despite a heavy rain that morning.

Mayor Tim Marshall signed Williams’ order, which bars such burning for up to 90 days.

The city’s 90-day prior ban expired several days ago and wasn’t renewed at the time.

The city’s action Tuesday came after Upshur County Judge Todd Tefteller lifted the ban that morning on rural outdoor burning.

The city’s order makes some exceptions, such as planting or harvesting of agricultural crops.