Montgomery County issues burn ban

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Montgomery County Commissioners Court adopted a burn ban on August 1 at the request of Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams.

Residents are asked to comply with the order and cease all burning until the ban is lifted. Burning on commercial property is prohibited at all times; and the burning of land-clearing debris is prohibited unless it complies with state air quality regulations and is permitted through the Texas Commissioner on Environmental Quality.

Authorities can issue a Class C citation to those who violate the burn ban, potentially resulting in a fine up to $500 per violation. Penalties can be enhanced if the burning violates state air quality regulations, causes injury or results in property damage.

The burn ban was necessary, Chief Williams said, because the county has met the threshold, like many other counties across the state.

Montgomery County’s average value on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index was 747 as of August 14, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service and information provided on the Texas Weather Connection website.

KBDI values in the 600 to 800 range indicate more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep-burning fires with extreme intensities can be expected.

There has been very little to no rainfall recorded over the past month and a half in most areas of Precinct 3.

Stay tuned to Woodlands Online for weather updates and alerts.

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