Harris County commissioners enacted a burn ban in unincorporated parts of the county Aug. 11 due to lack of rainfall and increased fire risk. “It’s hot and dry, and we don’t see any relief in sight,” Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said. “Some forecasts suggest we might get some rain, but we are discounting those right now. This is precautionary in nature, but we believe it’s a necessary step.” The county uses the Keetch-Byram Drought Index—which measures rainfall deficits on a scale of 1 through 800—as a factor when considering a burn ban. The average KBDI in late summer is between 400-600, according to the fire marshal’s office. On Aug. 11, the KBDI was between 600-700 in Harris County, according to data from the Texas A&M Forest Service. “Clearly the [KBDI index] has gone over, and everyone needs to be aware of this,” County Judge Ed Emmett said. “We need to publicize it as much as possible.” More than 90 counties across Texas have implemented burn bans as well, including nearby Waller and Grimes counties. The burn ban, which prohibits all open fires in the county, will last until Oct. 13 or until circumstances no longer create a public safety hazard that could be made worse by outdoor burning. For more information, visit www.hcfmo.net.