Houston-area burn bans lifted

Montgomery County Commissioners Court officially lifted the county’s burn ban on Tuesday, May 14th, providing relief to residents after nearly two months of outdoor burning restrictions.

The ban, which had been in place since March 27th, was enacted due to persistent dry conditions that significantly elevated the risk of wildfires across the county. Its rescission follows a period of much-needed rainfall in recent weeks, which has substantially improved drought conditions and mitigated fire danger.

During a burn ban, all forms of outdoor burning, including trash, brush, campfires, and bonfires, are strictly prohibited. While grilling is typically still allowed, residents are strongly advised to verify specific city ordinances within their local municipalities, as rules can vary. Violating a county burn ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Montgomery County is one of several Houston-area counties to recently lift burn bans as regional drought conditions have eased. Neighboring Harris County rescinded its burn ban on May 8th, after it had been active since March 14th. Fort Bend County also lifted its ban on Monday, May 13th, which had begun on March 26th. Galveston and Brazoria counties saw their burn bans lifted on May 9th. These region-wide actions reflect the positive impact of recent precipitation on local fire safety conditions.

Despite the lifting of the county-wide burn ban, local officials urge residents to continue exercising extreme caution with any outdoor flames. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to remain vigilant and monitor local conditions. For the most current information regarding burn ban status and fire safety guidelines, residents can visit the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office website at https://www.mctx.org/departments/departments_a-f/fire_marshal/.