Prohibition on Outdoor Burning Implemented in Montgomery County

Prohibition on Outdoor Burning Implemented in Montgomery CountyMontgomery County is currently facing a significant drought, and with no rain in the forecast, conditions are expected to worsen before they improve.The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a tool used to assess forest fire potential, operates on a scale of 0-800, with 800 representing the most extreme wildfire conditions. The current county-wide average is 693 and is rising by more than 4 points per day. In some areas of the county, the KBDI has already exceeded 740.Due to the worsening conditions and the heightened risk of wildfires, a disaster declaration has been issued to prohibit outdoor burning of limbs and leaves. This prohibition is in addition to the existing year-round ban on burning household trash in Montgomery County.The order also requires commercial land-clearing operations using air curtain incinerators to halt burning until inspected by the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office. Operators must display and provide TCEQ permits to inspectors upon request. This order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.In response to the increased wildfire threat, a broader disaster declaration has been issued, which includes Montgomery County and 142 other Texas counties.