Despite recent rains and what appears to be the onset of winter weather patterns, Harris County has postponed a decision to lift the burn ban, including outdoor cooking, fires or smoking in county parks. The average drought index for the county is at 524 as compared to a 10-year average of 247 for this time of year.

"This is a proactive step to protect citizens and property," Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said. "Even though the passage of cold fronts has brought needed rainfall and the number of fires is lower, the amount of dead vegetation and dry air behind each front creates uncertainty about the risk of outdoor fires."

"It is a complex situation," he said. "In northern parts of the county, rainfall has dropped the average drought index to levels below traditional burn ban trigger points, but this isn’t a normal year and there is a lot of dead vegetation, especially in wooded areas. In the southwest part of the county, the drought index remains over the traditional trigger points."

Generally speaking, outdoor burning for disposal purposes is prohibited in Harris County, with a few exceptions, such as burning normal household waste—if trash collection is not provided and if the waste is generated from only that property.

The current burn ban allows such disposal if burning is conducted in a container that contains all embers or sparks. Before burning, residents should check forecast weather conditions, and refrain from burning on any days where a fire weather watch or red flag warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Also, outdoor burning—even a fire authorized under TCEQ outdoor burning regulations— cannot cause a nuisance. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO) recommends other means of disposal, such as composting or mulching, for drought-killed trees and brush.

"There is no doubt the burn ban has reduced the number and severity of fires throughout the year," Montgomery said. "For the most part, people have been very supportive, but there have been exceptions".

HCFMO has issued more than 150 citations for illegal burning and violations of the burn ban. A violation can bring a citation and up to a $500 fine.

Harris County has been under a continuous burn ban since April 19. Since that time, the county has seen record high drought indexes, temperatures and a number of outdoor fires. The greatest number of outdoor fires in the unincorporated areas of the county (248) occurred the week of Sept. 5-11; the highest index (770) occurred the week of Sept. 12-18.

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