Dry Conditions Increase Fire Risk across Southeast Texas

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- Underlying dryness will continue to increase the wildfire risk across much of Southeast Texas through the weekend. Recent updates from the Texas A&M Forest Service, (TAMFS), confirms that a lack of recent rainfall, along with warm and dry conditions continues to expand the footprint of dry to locally critically dry wildfire fuel.

Winds will be gusty on Friday upwards of 15-20 mph during the afternoon hours with humidity values dropping into the 20-30% range over much of the area. With increased winds, low afternoon humidity values, and continued dry grasses the threat for wildland fire starts and spread is increasing.

Here locally, Montgomery County Firefighters stand ready to respond to any fires that may break out. While our local fire crews are well trained and equipped to extinguish wildfires, a few recent fires have damaged fences, sheds and other outside property. In addition to the civil liability for reckless or illegal burning, violators can be charged criminally and can face significant fines and arrest dependent on the severity of the offense.

Residents and businesses in Montgomery County are reminded that outdoor burning is prohibited year round in unincorporated parts of the County unless it meets one of the narrow exceptions found in State law. For more information on outdoor burning go to the MCFMO website at www.mctx.org/fire and click on the Outdoor Burning tab.

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