Harris County Fire Marshal Issues Burn Ban Due to Increased Fire Risk
The Harris County Commissioners Court has enacted a burn ban today in response to prolonged dry and hot weather conditions, which have significantly heightened the risk of grass fires across unincorporated Harris County. Currently, 120 counties in Texas are under similar burn bans, including neighboring Waller and Liberty counties.
This burn ban coincides with the upcoming fireworks sale season for Diwali celebrations. Although fireworks sales will proceed, they will be subject to specific restrictions. The ban follows state legislation criteria and assessments from the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which evaluates the risk of forest fires. From October 25, 2024, until midnight on November 1, 2024, vendors will be prohibited from selling certain types of fireworks, specifically “tail and fin” fireworks, which include skyrockets, missiles, and bottle rockets.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO) recommends leaving fireworks to professional displays to ensure safety. If residents choose to use consumer fireworks, they are advised to read caution labels carefully, have a water source available for emergencies, and thoroughly soak used fireworks before disposal.
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless conducted within a properly enclosed area that contains all flames and sparks. However, certain activities remain permitted, including outdoor burning authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), approved ceremonial fires, and non-commercial cooking, such as backyard barbecues. Welding and other "hot work" activities may also continue if they comply with county fire code regulations.
Violating the burn ban is considered a Class "C" misdemeanor, which may result in a fine of up to $500. Additionally, anyone who starts a fire causing damage to property without the owner's consent could face charges of Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or arson, a felony.
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To help protect property and homes from potential wildfire damage, the HCFMO emphasizes the importance of preparedness. Recommended precautions include:
- Avoiding outdoor burning on “red flag” or windy days, particularly when the KBDI approaches 700 or higher.
- Ensuring that LPG tanks are located away from buildings, with clear areas around them.
- Storing gasoline in approved safety containers away from occupied structures.
- Keeping combustibles, such as firewood and picnic tables, at a safe distance from buildings.
- Regularly clearing roofs and gutters of flammable debris.
- Trimming tree branches to a height of at least 15 feet.
- Establishing a fuel break of at least three times the length of the fuel around all structures in rural areas.
- Having fire tools readily available, such as ladders, shovels, and buckets of water.
- Ensuring garden hoses are accessible on all sides of the home for emergencies.
- Knowing all emergency exits from the home.
Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 and notify local fire departments immediately if they see an unattended fire, as even small flames can spread quickly and pose significant threats.
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.
