Montgomery County Burn Ban remains in effect, conditions worsen

Montgomery County Commissioner’s Court has authorized a ban on outdoor burning for all unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. The ban will remain in effect until the current fire danger subsides and conditions improve.

Montgomery County and the rest of southeast Texas remain in a state of extreme fire danger due to the lack of rainfall and historic drought conditions. The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office (MCFMO) urges all citizens to comply with the ban and to assist in preventing as many fires as possible.

Area firefighters are responding to numerous calls for service, stretching valuable resources. Deputy Fire Marshals have now issued more than 150 citations for violations of the ban on outdoor burning.

Current violators are being fined $375 to $500 per citation, plus $72 in court costs. Dependent on the material being burned, violators may receive two citations, one for violation of the burn ban and a second if trash or household garbage is burned.

These fines and court costs are in addition to other criminal and civil liability if the burning results in a wildfire.

Extended weather forecasts call for little significant rainfall for the near future, although some areas may receive sporadic rains associated with passing cold fronts. Prior to commencing any outdoor burning, check with your local fire station for the current status of the burn ban or call MCFMO.

Now is the time to take some precautions to lessen the chance that a wildfire will damage your home or endanger your family. These precautions will also make it easier for firefighters to protect your home if a wildfire threatens your home.

·        LPG tanks should be far enough away from buildings for valves to be shut off in case of fire. Keep area around the tank clear of flammable vegetation.

·        Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.

·        All combustibles such as firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, stacked lumber, etc. should be kept away from structures a minimum of 30 feet.

·        Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves and other debris.

·        Remove branches from trees to a height of 15 feet or more.

·        In rural areas, clear a fuel break of at least 30 feet around your home.

·        Have fire tools handy such as a ladder long enough to reach your roof, shovel, rake and buckets for water.

·        Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.

·        Assure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your neighborhood.

·        Sign up for Code Red at www.mc911.org to receive information in the event of an emergency.

Additional Precautions:

Citizens are urged to take precautions or limit any activity that may start a wildfire;

·        Do not weld or cut metal outdoors unless on a non-combustible surface such as concrete or asphalt and maintain a distance of at least 25 ft from anything that will burn. Have a water source handy and a person designated as a spotter.

·        Use LPG grills outdoors as an alternative to wood or charcoal cooking. If you do use wood or charcoal, have a metal contained filled with water to dispose of coals, or thoroughly soak the coals before discarding.

·        Be aware of local regulations – Some areas, including The Woodlands and the City of Conroe have prohibited all outdoor cooking in public parks. All outdoor cooking and campfires are prohibited in the Sam Houston National Forest.

·        Have a container handy for all cigarette butts and use your car’s ash tray.

·        As campers and hunters head to the woods this fall, check first with local officials for specific rules regarding campfires and outdoor cooking. Nearly all of Texas is in extreme fire danger due to the ongoing drought.