Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Due to excessive heat and drought conditions, Commissioners Court has approved a burn ban, effective immediately,at the recommendation of the Harris County Fire Marshal, for all unincorporated portions of the County.
The burn ban prohibits outdoor burning except in an enclosure that contains all sparks and/ or flames to prevent controlled fires from expanding. Outdoor burning activities authorized by TCEQ; approved ceremonial fires; non-commercial cooking such as backyard cookouts and barbecues are allowed; and welding and other "hot work" performed in accordance with county fire code requirements. The sale or use of fireworks is not affected by the burn ban. Residents are asked to exercise caution by removing combustible materials within 30 feet of any approved or permitted burning.
The Texas Forest Service (TFS) measures drought conditions based on the Keetch-ByramDrought Index (KBDI) scale. KBDI conditions between 600 and 800 have the potential to lead to intense, prolonged wildfires. As of August 8th, Harris County’s average KBDI is 681. Texas counties can implement a burn ban if their KBDI is above 575. 68 percent of Texas counties are currently under a burn ban.
The burn ban will be in effect for 90 days or until TFS determines that Harris County is no longer experiencing a drought.
07/19/2021
01/31/2021
01/12/2021
12/10/2020
10/02/2020
Myths and Facts about the Harris County Judge’s Office