The burn ban in Runnels County has been lifted, but local fire officials are reminding residents to notify 911 dispatch before starting any controlled burns.
Officials with the Wingate Volunteer Fire Department say the step is critical because area departments are now connected to the PANO wildfire monitoring system, made possible through funding from AEP Texas.
The system continuously scans for smoke and heat signatures and immediately alerts dispatchers and fire departments across Runnels County, Taylor County, Nolan County and Coke County.
If a controlled burn has not been reported, the system treats it like a possible wildfire, which can trigger emergency alerts and send firefighters away from other calls.
Fire officials say the solution is simple: residents planning a controlled burn should call county dispatch before lighting the fire to help keep emergency resources available for real emergencies.
