Fort Bend County Issues Burn Ban as Fire Danger Rises with Ongoing Drought Conditions
With wildfire risk on the rise and rain nowhere in the extended forecast, the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court has enacted a countywide outdoor burn ban for all unincorporated areas. The decision, made during Monday’s court session, follows worsening drought conditions and guidance from the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office.
The official Declaration and Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in Fort Bend County prohibits residents from burning any materials outdoors unless they are fully enclosed in a device or structure designed to contain all flames, sparks, embers, and ash.
This means no open burning of trash, debris, brush piles, campfires, or use of burn barrels, even on private property.
Wildfire Risk Reaches Critical Levels
A key factor behind the burn ban is the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a widely used wildfire risk indicator that ranges from 0 (saturated ground) to 800 (severe drought). On October 13, Fort Bend County’s KBDI reading reached 642, signaling extremely dry conditions and a significantly increased wildfire threat.
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According to county officials, the region has reached a critical point, with substantial moisture loss in soil and vegetation. Combined with a prolonged dry weather pattern and minimal rainfall in the forecast, current conditions present a serious fire hazard.
County Judge KP George, in consultation with the County Fire Marshal, is authorized to lift the burn ban once conditions improve and wildfire risk declines.
Fire Weather Concerns Widespread Across Southeast Texas
As warm and dry weather continues across Southeast Texas, fire danger remains elevated, and conditions are expected to worsen midweek. According to the National Weather Service – Houston/Galveston, the combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and increasing wind gusts is creating ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly.
Relative humidity is expected to drop as low as 24–29% midweek in parts of the region, with wind gusts reaching up to 32 mph in places like College Station and Conroe. While conditions have not triggered an official Red Flag Warning, fire weather experts emphasize that the threat is serious — especially in unincorporated areas under active burn bans.
The Texas A&M Forest Service has designated much of the region in a moderate to high fire danger rating, with some adjacent counties under "very high" risk levels.
(Source: NWS - Houston/Galveston)Fire Safety Tips for Fort Bend County Homeowners
To help prevent the outbreak and spread of wildfires, Fort Bend County homeowners are strongly encouraged to follow key safety practices:
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Avoid using outdoor grills, fire pits, or smokers, unless they are fully enclosed and designed to contain all flames and embers.
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Clear dry leaves, pine needles, and brush from roofs, gutters, porches, and yard edges.
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Create a 30-foot buffer zone of defensible space around your home, free of flammable materials.
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Never park on dry grass, as heat from undercarriages can ignite vegetation.
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Securely store flammable liquids like gasoline and propane in approved containers away from living spaces.
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Postpone landscaping or construction that involves welding, grinding, or equipment that could spark fires.
Residents should also stay informed by monitoring local fire alerts and weather updates from trusted sources such as the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, or the Texas A&M Forest Service.
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Working Together to Stay Safe
As drought conditions continue and fire risk remains elevated, Fort Bend County officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and follow all burn ban restrictions until further notice. The decision to enact a burn ban is about more than policy — it’s a step toward protecting lives, homes, and first responders during a period of heightened danger.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
