The Klein Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire with no damage to the nearby structures. A fire-resistant exterior concrete wall blocked the fire’s travel, and a 20-foot fire access lane next to the shopping center allowed firefighters easy access to protect the structure.

“If the wind direction hadn’t changed and forced the fire back into the already burned areas, damage could have been much worse,” said Klein Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson David Besselo. “From all indications the fire appears to have been caused by discarded smoking materials, or open sparks and flames.”

“This fire should remind people to be careful, even with recent rains,” Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said. “Gusty winds and dry vegetation create perfect fire conditions. This is exactly why we have recommended keeping the burn ban in place. Burning embers can travel easily and small fires can get really big, really fast.” 

According to a United States Fire Administration report, outdoor fires peak in March, April and July, and account for 41 percent of all fires in the U.S. At these times, humidity is lower, winds tend to be higher, and dried foliage is cured to a point where they readily ignite. Hardwood leaves, pine needles and other vegetation are on the ground allowing sunlight to dry the surface fuels.

There is a burn ban in effect for unincorporated Harris County. No outdoor burning is allowed except in an enclosure which contains all flames and/or sparks, outdoor burning activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, non-commercial cooking, and prescribed welding, grinding, cutting, or “hot work” operations.

Under the conditions of the ban, outdoor burning is allowed only in an enclosure that doesn't allow the escape of flames, embers, or sparks. Backyard cookouts and barbeques are also allowed.

Violation of the ban is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition, any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner may be charged with reckless damage or destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or arson, a felony. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued 10 citations under the burn ban.

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