ADVISORY: Cautionary Statement on Fire Danger in the Greater Houston Area
Dear Lone Star College System Community,
This cautionary statement is based on information provided by the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and the Texas Forest Service.
The greater Houston area is experiencing increased fire dangers due to potential drought conditions and fuel dryness. This trend is expected to continue unless there is significant rain.
What Does This Mean?
For Harris and Montgomery Counties, the current fire danger is MODERATE, but the forecast fire danger is HIGH. Citizens should:
- Be careful when smoking, welding, or outdoor cooking
- Avoid outdoor burning if possible
- Limit the use of fireworks, especially in grassy areas, and
- Protect property by establishing a "green", defensive space by removing firewood, dry brush, and other combustibles from around homes or other buildings
The Harris and Montgomery Counties Fire Marshal's Offices will continue to monitor conditions, and may recommend outdoor burning restrictions within the next couple of weeks unless there is a forecast of significant rainfall across the area.
What About Fireworks?
Currently there are no restrictions on the sales or use of certain aerial fireworks -- rockets with sticks and missiles with fins -- at this time.
In Harris County, fire officials are in close contact with the Harris County Chapter of the Texas Fireworks Association discussing voluntary removal of these products from sale if drought conditions and fuel dryness continues.
The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office is seeking approval for an order restricting the sale and use of certain aerial fireworks known for their increased risk of starting fires.
ADVISORY: Harris County Burn Ban Has Been Discontinued
This cautionary statement is based on information provided by the Governor's Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and the Texas Forest Service.
The burn ban in effect for unincorporated Harris County has been discontinued. There is not an official burn ban in effect for Montgomery County. Thanks to recent rains and a return to normal fire behavior, the burn ban for unincorporated Harris County has been lifted.
Outdoor burning, in general, is illegal in Harris County according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ("TCEQ"), because it contributes to air pollution. There are some exceptions. Please ensure it is LEGAL and SAFE to burn by checking the Harris County Fire Marshall’s Office website at http://www.hcfmo.net/outdoorburning.aspx.
A little common sense goes a long way…
- You should not burn on dry or windy days
- It is illegal to burn at night, or to burn in the open where flames, embers, or sparks can escape.
- And businesses can NEVER burn debris outdoors legally.
If you see an unattended fire, notify your local fire department immediately by call x9-911 from a campus telephone and then x5911 or by calling 911 from your personal telephone. Even a small fire can spread quickly threatening individuals and houses. If you believe someone is burning illegally in the unincorporated areas of Harris County or inside the city limits of any city except Houston, you can call Harris County Environmental Health Services at (713) 920-2831, 24 hours per day.
Stay Informed…Stay Safe!
If you start a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner you may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or Arson, a felony.