The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office last week stated that due to recent rains and a return to normal fire behavior, the burn ban for unincorporated Harris County has been lifted.

However, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), outdoor burning, in general, is illegal in Harris County because it contributes to air pollution. There are some exceptions, but not all outdoor burning activities are legal.

The Fire Marshal’s Office requests that prior to burning outdoors, check to make sure it is legal and safe to burn by visiting www.hcfmo.net.

“A little common sense goes a long way,” Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery stated in a press release. “You should not burn on dry or windy days. It is illegal to burn at night, or to burn in the open where flames, embers, or sparks can escape. And businesses can never burn debris outdoors legally.”

If you live in the unincorporated area of Harris County or inside the city limits of any city except Houston and suspect someone of burning illegally, call Harris County Environmental Health Services at 713-920-2831, 24 hours per day.

“If you start a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner, you may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or Arson, a felony,” Montgomery stated.

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