Unincorporated Fort Bend County is now under an outdoor burn ban effective Aug. 27 at 5 p.m.
What residents need to know
The ban, which was approved by Fort Bend County commissioners at an Aug. 27 meeting, came after the Texas A&M Forest Service determined the whole county has drought conditions.
Fort Bend joined 200 other counties in Texas with a burn ban, including Wharton and Galveston counties, according to the Forest Service. Harris County does not have a burn ban in place.
The details
According to the ordinance, certain activities are exempt from the ban, including:
- Authorized burns related to public health and safety
- Firefighting training
- Public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations
- Certain uses for agriculture crops
- Burns conducted by a certified and insured prescribed burn manager
Violating the burn ban can result in a fine up to $500.
Looking ahead
The outdoor burn ban will remain in effect until rescinded but should not be more than 90 days unless extended by commissioners, per agenda documents.
