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A Harris County burn ban took effect immediately Thursday, Sept. 17, after approval from Harris County Commissioners Court. The ban applies to unincorporated areas of the county and will remain in place for 90 days unless the court suspends or extends it.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office requested the ban because prolonged dry conditions continue to create fire risks across parts of the county.
Dry Conditions Prompt Harris County Burn Ban
Recent rainfall has improved conditions in some communities. However, Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen said the rain has not reached every area equally.
“The county has received a significant amount of rainfall in the last couple of weeks, but it has not reached all areas of the county equally,” Christensen said.
Harris County covers more than 1,700 square miles. Conditions can therefore vary significantly from one community to another.
“While conditions in some areas may have improved, the threat of a fire spreading quickly remains in parts of the county,” Christensen said. She added that those conditions can create further challenges for first responders.
The Fire Marshal’s Office has not recorded a significant increase in outdoor fire calls. Still, local fire chiefs supported the burn ban request. Officials also coordinated with the Texas A&M Forest Service before submitting the request.
What the Burn Ban Prohibits
The order prohibits outdoor burning unless it occurs inside an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks.
Several activities remain permitted under the order:
- Outdoor burning authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Approved ceremonial fires
- Noncommercial cooking, including backyard cookouts and barbecues
- Welding and other “hot work” that complies with county fire codes
Violating the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor. A violation can result in a fine of up to $500.
Someone who starts a fire that damages another person’s property could also face additional charges. Depending on the circumstances, those charges may include reckless damage or destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or felony arson.
Safety Tips During Dry Weather
Officials urge residents to use caution with activities that produce heat, flames or sparks. Dry vegetation and windy weather can allow a small fire to spread quickly.
Smokers should fully extinguish cigarettes and never leave smoking materials unattended. Cigarettes should not be discarded in mulch, dried grass, leaves, landscaping or potted plants. Drivers should never throw cigarette butts from vehicle windows.
Residents should also avoid driving or parking vehicles on dry grass and leaves. Hot exhaust systems can ignite nearby vegetation. Trailer safety chains should be adjusted so they do not drag on the road and create sparks.
Lawnmowers should only be used on maintained lawns. Metal mower blades can strike rocks and produce sparks when used around weeds or dry grass.
Outdoor Cooking Precautions
Backyard cooking remains allowed, but grills should be placed away from dry grass and other combustible materials. Residents should only use lighter fluid designed for grilling. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used to start a grill.
Charcoal starter fluid should not be added after the grill is burning. Doing so can cause a dangerous flare-up.
After cooking, residents should allow charcoal to cool completely. Coals should then be placed in a metal container and soaked with water before disposal.
Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call 911 and notify the local fire department immediately. Even a small fire can rapidly threaten nearby homes, businesses and residents.
Forecast updates and emergency information are available through ReadyHarris.org. Residents can also register for ReadyHarris Alerts or ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts.