Harris County fire marshal requests outdoor burn ban amid drought conditions
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - The Houston heat and lack of rain are causing continuous drought conditions in the area and across Texas, so Harris County is hoping a burn ban will prevent fires.
On Friday, the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office requested the Commissioner’s Court to approve an outdoor burn ban for the unincorporated Harris County.
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According to HCFMO, an index of 575 on the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index (KBDI) is looked to be drought conditions and 575-600 is the benchmark for the county to initiate a burn ban. The KBDI on Friday was 646.
As of Saturday, the average KBDI increased to 655.
The request will be reviewed at the next HC Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday.
Until the burn ban is approved, residents are asked to take caution when grilling, mowing their lawns, and putting out cigarettes as you could unintentionally start a fire, says HCFMO.
These are current Houston-area cities under Drought Contingency Plans: