All outdoor burning is now illegal across Prosper and Celina after both Denton and Collin counties declared mandatory burn bans effective Tuesday, Aug. 25, citing severe wildfire risk.

Because Prosper straddles the county line and Celina sits primarily in Collin County, the simultaneous action by both Commissioners Courts means every resident in both towns is covered. Under the Denton County ban, violators face a Class C misdemeanor fine of up to $500. Collin County has not publicly released its specific penalty terms.

Denton County Judge Andy Eads issued a Local Disaster Declaration for Threat of Wildland Fires Due to Dry Conditions, making Denton the 178th of Texas' 254 counties to enact a burn ban. The county's announcement said the ban prohibits all outdoor burning, restricts outdoor hot work such as welding and cutting torch operations, and limits the use of certain combustible materials.

"Prevention of potential wildland fires is essential to the safety of county residents," Eads said. "Wildfires can be devastating and difficult on everyone, especially farmers and ranchers; wildfires can destroy not only lives and property, but livelihoods as well."

Neither ban has a fixed end date. Both remain in effect until drought conditions ease or the respective Commissioners Court or county judge terminates the declaration.

Denton County Chief Fire Marshal Brad Sebastian urged residents to clear combustible debris and vegetation from around their homes, keep water hoses accessible and call 911 immediately if they spot any fire.

The Town of Prosper confirmed the dual-county ban on its official account Tuesday and directed residents to Nextdoor for additional details. Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 & 2 also confirmed the Commissioners Court approved the ban Tuesday morning.

Conditions driving the declaration include high temperatures, high winds, low humidity and dead or dormant vegetation. The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies Denton County in moderate drought, with little rainfall relief expected soon. The county has seen a slight uptick in wildfire frequency.

Collin County, led by County Judge Chris Hill, had faced public pressure to act. As recently as Saturday, Aug. 22, a North Texas resident asked on social media why Collin County had not issued a ban when surrounding counties already had.

Residents who witness a wildfire or outdoor burning violation can report it by calling 911.