Fire Official Urge Caution as the Holiday Weekend Approaches, Remind Residents that Trash Burning is Banned Year Round in Montgomery County

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Montgomery County Fire Officials are urging residents to comply with current burning laws and to refrain from using consumer fireworks until conditions improve. While some parts of the county received rainfall earlier this week, the southern and western portions of the County are still experiencing “moderate” drought conditions.

Under State Law, the burning of household refuse and rubbish in and around subdivisions or on lots less than 5 acres is prohibited year round. This ban is in place at all times and violators can be cited and fined up to $500. In addition to the ban on trash burning, citations for reckless damage can be issued whenever damage is caused by reckless burning or the use of fireworks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Burn Ban limit Fireworks sales or use?

Under State Law, a burn ban only applies to outdoor burning, not fireworks. Banning the sale and use of consumer fireworks would require a formal declaration of disaster, an extreme measure that has only been used once before in Montgomery County. In 2011, during a historic summer fire season, a Disaster Declaration was issued and all sources of ignition were banned for most of the summer. While we are currently drier than usual for this time of year, we are nowhere near where we were at this point in 2011.
Can I burn or discharge fireworks in a city or The Woodlands Township?
Outdoor burning and fireworks are prohibited in The Woodlands Township and many cities in Montgomery County. If you live in an incorporated area, check your City’s website or reach out to City Hall for more info on fireworks and outdoor burning.

I recently cleared my property, can I burn the debris from the land clearing?

Under State Air Quality regulations, land clearing debris may not be burned on the surface of the ground in Montgomery County. The debris may be mulched or hauled to a licensed disposal or recycling site. Debris can be incinerated on site ONLY by following the air quality regulations and utilizing a state permitted Air Curtain Incinerator, also known as a trench burner.