Brazos County enacts burn ban amid dry conditions, recent grass fires

Brazos County commissioners imposed a burn ban Sept. 1 as dry conditions and several recent grass fires raised concerns about the potential for wildfires.

How we got here

Jason Ware, Brazos County’s emergency management coordinator, told commissioners local fire departments had responded to three or four grass fires last week. One fire in east Brazos County burned an estimated 5-10 acres.

The county’s drought index was averaging between 600 and 700, Wear said, indicating conditions were dry enough to increase the risk of fires spreading.

Why now?

The timing of the ban came as tropical weather was moving toward the area. A flood watch was in effect during the commissioners meeting, with forecasts calling for roughly 1 to 6 inches of rain.

Before you go

Ware said the county could reconsider the ban after receiving significant rainfall.

Residents can check the county’s current burn-ban status through Brazos County Emergency Management before conducting any outdoor burning.