Montgomery County Lifts Burn Ban After Rainfall

Montgomery County, TX – The Montgomery County Commissioners Court officially lifted the county’s burn ban on Tuesday, October 24, citing significant recent rainfall and a notable improvement in dry conditions across the area.

The decision comes after the county received a welcome soaking, with two to four inches of rain recorded across the region on October 21 and 22. This substantial precipitation led to a significant drop in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a widely used measure of drought severity and wildfire risk, which fell below 500 for Montgomery County. Prior to the recent rains, the KBDI had been in the 600s; a lower number indicates reduced wildfire potential.

The burn ban had been in effect since August 15, implemented due to extreme drought conditions and a prolonged lack of significant rainfall. This marks the second countywide burn ban residents have experienced this year.

During its enforcement, the ban prohibited all outdoor burning activities. Limited exceptions were made for contained outdoor cooking, welding activities with appropriate safety measures, and outdoor fire pits equipped with proper spark arrestors. Notably, even controlled prescribed burns conducted by certified firefighters were not permitted under the ban’s restrictions.

Despite the lifting of the ban, county officials continue to urge all residents to exercise extreme caution when conducting any outdoor burning. They remind the public that specific cities and municipalities within Montgomery County, such as Conroe, maintain their own distinct outdoor burning regulations. Residents are strongly advised to check with their local city government or fire department for specific rules and guidelines before starting any outdoor fires.