The Bell County Commissioner Court has issued a burn ban in response to hot, dry conditions.

Judge Jon H. Burrows issued the ban Monday after unanimous approval by the court, and it went into effect at 10 AM today. The document was emailed to local media Tuesday afternoon.

The ban is set to expire on Tuesday, September 18, but may be rescinded either temporarily or permanently if officials determine that conditions are once again safe for burning.

Ban violators will face a $500 fine.

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