"In these dry conditions, a small spark could cause a big problem for our community," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement.
The big picture
More than 150 counties across Texas are also under burn bans to reduce wildfire threats, according to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, including Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, Chambers and Liberty counties.
What you need to know
The ban will last for 90 days or until the Texas Forest Service determines drought conditions no longer exist in Harris County. The TFS measures drought conditions based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index scale, which finds conditions between 600-800 with the potential to lead to intense, prolonged wildfires. County officials found Harris County averaging 671, according to a news release.
The burn ban prohibits:
- Outdoor burning, except in an enclosure that contains all sparks and flames
- Ceremonial fires
- Noncommercial cooking, such as backyard cookouts and barbecues
- Welding and other "hot work" performed in accordance with county fire code requirements
- Diwali firework celebrations
Also of note
If residents see an unattended fire, Fire Marshal officials advise calling 9-1-1 and notifying local fire department authorities. Additional safety tips provided by the Fire Marshal's Office include:
- Using precautions when outdoor cooking
- Properly discarding cigarettes and other smoking materials
- Being aware of threats related to lawn maintenance and vehicles in dry conditions
