see how this year compares to last...

Tyler TX — In 2011 the drought was so server, fire season in Texas was record breaking.

Last year fourth of July fireworks were put to a stop, burn bans went into effect in hundreds of counties and the state of Texas was in a state of fire-emergency.

Today KETK spoke to the Smith County Fire Marshall, Jim Seaton, he told KETK this year isn't as bad, but toward the western side of the county they are pushing into the 700's on the Drought Index. 800 is the highest.

Burn bans and builders don't exactly like one another either.

When a burn ban is issued in a county, builders and welders have to submit the proper paperwork to city to get approval to work. 

Welders and construction workers must submit a notification form to be able to work on their property. They also have to have a watchman with them at all times, armed with a fire extinguisher.

For a list of current county burn bans please visit this site:

http://tfsfrp.tamu.edu/wildfires/decban.png

To obtain a welding notification form please visit the Smith County fire department website here:

http://www.smith-county.com/Default.aspx