A burn ban is now in effect for at least the next three months in unincorporated Harris County after commissioners approved the measure at an Aug. 8 meeting, citing extreme temperatures and continuous dry conditions. Harris County joins more than 160 other Texas counties that have already implemented a burn ban including Galveston, Waller, Chambers, Liberty and Montgomery County.

Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said in a news release that excessive heat conditions and a lack of rain have elevated various environmental levels that could cause potential forest fires.

A map showcasing the unincorporated areas within Harris County precincts where the burn ban will take effect. (Courtesy Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity)
A map showcasing the unincorporated areas within Harris County precincts where the burn ban will take effect. (Courtesy Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity)

Quote of note

“The burn ban is in place to reduce the potential of a devastating wildfire happening in our community,” Christensen said. "The safety of Harris County is in our proactive actions. Let's heed the ban, reduce risks and protect our community."

The details

Harris County residents will have to abide by the following guidelines and are advised to report any unattended fires to 911, according to Public Information Officer Brandi Dumas.

“Let’s make smart decision during this ban because we are experiencing very dry conditions,” Dumas said.



What’s allowed:

  • Approved ceremonial fires
  • Non-commercial cooking such as backyard cookouts and barbecues
  • Welding performed under county fire code requirements
  • Sale or use of fireworks is allowed, but the department discourages using it altogether during the ban.

What’s not:

  • No outdoor, open burning except in outdoor burning activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • Those actions found in violation of the burn ban will be considered a Class “C” misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.
The Harris County Fire Marshal's office shared the following tips for residents to keep in mind during the ban period:
  • Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
  • All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats and stacked lumber should be kept away from structures.
  • Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid the build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.
  • In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least three times the fuel length around all structures.

Zooming out

As of Aug. 8, Harris County’s average drought scale is 681, according to county officials. Conditions between 600-800 have the potential to lead to intense, prolonged fires.