Outdoor burning is banned across unincorporated Harris County, including Spring, after Commissioners' Court approved a 90-day burn ban Thursday, Sept. 17.
The ban runs through Dec. 15 unless the court extends or lifts it earlier, according to the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Violators face fines up to $500. Starting a fire that damages someone else's property without consent could result in a Class C misdemeanor for reckless damage or a felony arson charge.
The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (HCFMO) requested the ban, citing prolonged dry conditions across parts of the county. Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen said the county has received significant rainfall over the past two weeks, but it hasn't fallen evenly.
"Harris County stretches more than 1,700 square miles, so while conditions in some areas may have improved, the threat of a fire spreading quickly remains in parts of the county …" Christensen said.
The HCFMO coordinated the request with the Texas A&M Forest Service and consulted local fire chiefs, who supported it. The Spring Fire Department confirmed the ban on X shortly after the vote. Despite the dry conditions, the HCFMO said call volumes for outdoor fires had not increased.
Across Texas, 216 counties were under burn bans as of Sept. 17, according to the Fire Marshal's Office. KHOU first reported that Fort Bend, Waller, Brazoria and Galveston counties already had bans in place.
What's allowed
Not all outdoor fire is off-limits. Residents can still:
- Grill and barbecue for non-commercial cooking
- Burn within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks
- Conduct outdoor burns authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
- Hold approved ceremonial fires
- Perform welding and other "hot work" that meets county fire code
Safety tips
Fox 26 reported officials are advising residents not to discard cigarettes in vegetation, park vehicles on dry grass, or place grills on dry ground. Trailer safety chains should not drag on roads.
Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call 911.
Who's covered
The ban applies only to unincorporated areas of Harris County. Spring falls within that boundary. Residents inside an incorporated city's limits should check with their local fire department for separate rules.
Harris County Constable Precinct 4, which patrols north Harris County including Spring, confirmed the ban in a Sept. 17 post on X.
