Ft Bend Co. enacts burn ban, Waller Co. says ‘burn with caution’
On August 27, Fort Bend County approved an outdoor burn ban for all unincorporated areas of the county effective at 5 p.m. As extreme heat persists and drought conditions worsen, the risk of …
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Ft Bend Co. enacts burn ban, Waller Co. says ‘burn with caution’
On August 27, Fort Bend County approved an outdoor burn ban for all unincorporated areas of the county effective at 5 p.m.
As extreme heat persists and drought conditions worsen, the risk of wildfires continues to increase, a spokesperson for the county said in the media release. 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 August 27, Fort Bend County’s KBDI reading was 634, indicating significantly dry conditions.
After reviewing drought index data and the extended forecast showing continued heat and minimal rainfall, Fort Bend County 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.
Fort Bend County can rescind this declaration upon consultation with the County Fire Marshal when drought conditions improve, and hazardous circumstances no longer exist, the media release said.
Waller County does not have a burn ban in effect, and the county website advises residents to “burn with caution,” as of August 27. The county website refers readers to https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/homeowners-prevention-and-preparedness/ for information on how to prepare homes for wildfires.
As of the latest update on August 26, Harris County is not under an active burn ban. The Texas A&M Forest Service feed (texasburnbans.net) shows no burn ban reported for Harris County.
Normal Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) outdoor burning rules apply unless a county-specific ban is issued.
