Resources

Wildfires & Burn Bans

Wildfires & Burn Bans

Wildland fires are an integral component of the ecosystem of Harris County. For millennia, low intensity fires have maintained the health of our native forests and grasslands. However, changes in land use and fire suppression have created a wildland-urban interface (WUI) that significantly increased the risk of wildfires by altering the composition and structure of native vegetation in fire-prone ecosystems.

Worried About Wildfire?

If you live in one of many local subdivisions away from rural areas or larger, multi-acre home sites and your subdivision has fire hydrants and maintained lawns and trees, you are at lower risk. But, even in these areas an accumulation of dead grass, leaves or branches can increase your risk. Factors increase greatly if you live on property or in a subdivision with limited fire protection and native grasslands, brush, or trees such as cedar, yaupon, or pine trees.

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THERE IS NO BURN BAN IN EFFECT FOR UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY.

Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)

Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is an index used to determine forest fire potential. The drought index is based on a daily water balance, where a drought factor is balanced with precipitation and soil moisture (assumed to have a maximum storage capacity of 8 inches) and is expressed in hundredths of an inch of soil moisture depletion.


kbdi chart

Burn Ban FAQs
What Does a Burn Ban Mean?
No outdoor burning is allowed except in an enclosure which contains all flames and/or sparks, outdoor burning activities authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), approved ceremonial fires, non-commercial cooking, and prescribed “hot work”.
What is used to Initiate a Burn Ban?
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is an indicator used by the Texas Forest Service to relate recent and current weather conditions to expected fire behavior. The KBDI also allows local governments to better understand the impact of drought conditions. Higher KBDI values indicate an increased fire risk due to lower fuel moisture.
What is allowed during Burn Ban?
Backyard cook-outs and barbeques are allowed with equipment designed for that purpose, as is welding and other “hot work” performed in accordance with county fire code requirements.
What are the Penalties for Outdoor Burning under a Burn Ban?
Violation of the ban is a Class “C” misdemeanor, punishable for up to a $500 fine. In addition, any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or Arson, a felony.

The county can pursue civil remedies for non-compliance under LGC 352.081 (G)

Will this Burn Ban affect the sales of Fireworks?
HCFMO has been communicating with Firework Vendors to have them assist in messaging regarding drought conditions and safe use of fireworks to include attending a public display.
How Can Residents Help?
Use extreme caution when cooking outdoors. A small spark or burning ember can ignite dry vegetation. Winds will fan the flames and spread the fire rapidly.
Remove combustibles within 30 feet of any approved or permitted controlled burn and "hot work." A small, controlled fire can easily spread quickly and become an out-of-control, dangerous fire.

If you see an unattended fire, call 9-1-1 and notify your local fire department immediately. Even a small fire can spread quickly and threaten people and houses.

Below are links to important information about ways we can work together to reduce the risk of devastating wildfires in our community.

Harris County Wildfire Protection Plan

The Harris County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is the culmination of many months of work by many organizations and individuals. It represents the expertise of fire officials from local fire departments, Harris County, and the State. As part of a continuous, “evergreen” process, the Plan is designed to identify objectives for reducing the risks from wildland fire for the residents of Harris County. For more information please view:

The HCFMO executive summary
The Harris County CWPP Plan

Goals of the Harris County CWPP:

  • Increase public awareness and understanding about the risk and consequences of wildfires.
  • Help property owners in their efforts to improve their own wildfire protection.
  • Improve the fire resilience of landscapes and ecosystems.
  • Strengthen the county’s wildfire suppression capabilities.

On Outdoor Burning

The outdoor burning rule prohibits outdoor burning anywhere in Texas, but allows exceptions for specific situations in which burning is necessary and does not pose a threat to the environment. The HCFMO does not issue permits for outdoor burning. For a guide to outdoor burning including information about how to answer “Can I Burn?” please download the following document in English or Spanish.

Additional Information & Contact

THERE IS NO BURN BAN IN EFFECT FOR UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY

Outdoor burning can be an air nuisance or neighborhood nuisance. For complaints/reports of outdoor burning, contact the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department.

Phone: (713) 920-2831
Fax: (713) 274-6475
Email: pollution.control@pcs.hctx.net

Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)