Williamson County Burn Ban Remains in Effect as Drought Index Reaches 718
The calendar says fall, but the ground across Williamson County remains extremely dry. County emergency management officials are continuing to remind residents that a burn ban remains in effect, an important restriction for anyone planning outdoor burning.
Williamson County's Sept. 21-28 Weekly Situational Awareness Report lists the countywide fire danger rating as low for the week, but reports an average Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, of 718. That was two points higher than the Sept. 20 reading.
What a KBDI of 718 Means
KBDI is used to measure dryness and potential wildfire conditions in soil and vegetation. Williamson County identifies 600 and above as a critical threshold associated with severe drought and elevated wildfire risk. With the index at 718, underlying fuels remain notably dry even when day-to-day weather produces a lower immediate fire-danger rating.
That distinction helps explain why residents may see a "low" weekly fire danger designation while a burn ban remains in place. The two measurements describe different pieces of the fire-risk picture, with KBDI reflecting longer-term dryness.
The county's weekly outlook called for predominantly sunny conditions through the weekend, with only limited rain chances. Forecast highs remained in the 90s for much of the period.
Check the Rules Before Burning
For homeowners and rural property owners, the most important point is straightforward: Williamson County is currently under a burn ban. Residents should check current county restrictions before conducting any outdoor burn and avoid assuming a cooler morning or isolated rainfall has automatically ended the ban.
Conditions can change, particularly if meaningful rainfall reaches the area, so residents should rely on current Williamson County and emergency-management information rather than older social media posts when checking burn-ban status.
My Neighborhood News will continue sharing local burn-ban, weather and public-safety updates that residents need to know.
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.
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