A news release from the county cites a decrease in high temperatures, an increase in rain and a drop in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index as reasons for canceling the burn ban.
The KBDI in Fort Bend County dropped by 164 points, the release states. The index uses the daily water balance to determine risks for forest fires. The KBDI reaching the 600-800 range indicates “severe” drought conditions with increasing concern for wildfires.
What you need to know
The guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for outdoor burning include the following:
- No fire can be left unattended.
- There must be some form of fire protection on-site, such as a hose, a fire extinguisher, a shovel, a rake or a bulldozer.
- No fire should be within 50 feet of a residence or a structure.
- No burning can take place at night.
