During its session on Monday, October 13, 2025, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved an outdoor burn ban for all unincorporated areas of the county.

As extreme heat persists and drought conditions worsen, the risk of wildfires continues to increase. The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office has been closely monitoring the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) – a standard tool used to assess wildfire potential. The index ranges from 0 (no moisture depletion) to 800 (extremely dry conditions). As of October 13, 2025, Fort Bend County’s KBDI reading was 642, indicating significantly dry conditions.

After reviewing drought index data and the extended forecast showing continued heat and minimal rainfall, Commissioners Court determined that current conditions present a potential public safety hazard.

Under the Declaration and Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in Fort Bend County, residents are prohibited from burning or ordering another to burn any materials outdoors unless the fire is entirely contained within an enclosure designed to confine all flames, sparks, embers, and ash. This order restricts the use of open flames, including the burning of trash, campfires, burn barrels, and other open-flame devices.

County Judge KP George is authorized to rescind this declaration upon consultation with the County Fire Marshal when drought.

On October 15, Waller County Commissioners Court also voted and approved a burn ban for unincorporated Waller County. Extreme drought conditions and increased grass and wildland fires also contributed to the needed burn ban, county officials said. Waller county residents shall not conduct any outdoor burning during the ban. Violation of the burn ban could result in a Class “C” citation.

On October 18, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved a burn ban for unincorporated Harris County due to ongoing dry weather and heightened fire danger. Fire weather conditions arise when high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation combine, creating an environment where wildfires can ignite easily and spread quickly.

The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless it occurs within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks.

What is allowed in Harris County:

· Outdoor burning authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

· Approved ceremonial fires.

· Non-commercial cooking like backyard cookouts and barbecues.

· Additionally, welding and other "hot work" can be carried out as long as they comply with county fire code regulations.


The burn ban is being issued amid the Diwali fireworks sale season that began Monday, October 13, 2025. While fireworks sales will continue until midnight of October 23, 2025, sales will be subject to specific restrictions to reduce fire risk. In accordance with state legislation and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures forest fire danger, the commissioner’s court has approved a ban on the sale of certain fireworks. Specifically, vendors are prohibited from selling skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins,

Currently, 151 counties across Texas, including our neighbors in Fort Bend County, Waller County, Montgomery County, Chambers County, and Liberty County, are also under burn bans in efforts to reduce wildfire threats.