Harris County issues burn ban as drought conditions creep in
Harris County is the latest county in Southeast Texas to issue a burn ban. Neighboring Fort Bend, Waller, Montgomery, and Liberty counties also have burn bans in effect.
The Harris County Commissioner’s Court has approved a burn ban for unincorporated areas of Harris County due to ongoing dry weather and heightened fire danger.
Harris County is the latest county in Southeast Texas to issue a burn ban. Neighboring Fort Bend, Waller, Montgomery, and Liberty counties also have burn bans in effect.
The ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless it occurs within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks.
These are the only type of approved burning that is allowed under the burn ban, according to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office:
- Outdoor burning authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
- Approved ceremonial fires.
- Non-commercial cooking like backyard cookouts and barbecues.
- Additionally, welding and other “hot work” can be carried out as long as they comply with county fire code regulations.
“The burn ban is being issued amid the Diwali fireworks sale season that began Monday, October 13, 2025. While fireworks sales will continue until midnight of October 23, 2025, sales will be subject to specific restrictions to reduce fire risk. In accordance with state legislation and the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures forest fire danger, the commissioner’s court has approved a ban on the sale of certain fireworks. Specifically, vendors are prohibited from selling skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins‚” the fire marshal’s office said.
Prohibited fireworks are shown in the graphic below.
Violation of the ban is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition, any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the owner’s consent may be charged with reckless damage or destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or arson, a felony.
