Galveston County commissioners voted Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, to ban all outdoor burning in unincorporated parts of the county, meaning residents who live outside city limits in county territory can no longer burn outdoors.
The Galveston County Commissioners Court adopted the order at a special meeting, banning all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county. The ban covers unincorporated territory near Friendswood and Clear Lake Shores, meaning property owners in those areas who live outside city limits are now subject to the order.
The county's Emergency Management department submitted the ban request, which passed as part of the court's consent agenda. No end date was set. Under Texas law, the ban remains in effect until the Commissioners Court, county judge or fire marshal lifts it.
The county's full news release was not accessible, and no spokesperson was available for comment on what specific conditions prompted the action.
What the ban means for residents
Under Texas law, a commissioners court can prohibit outdoor burning when drought conditions or other circumstances create a public safety hazard. Violating the ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
The ban does not apply to burns authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, including firefighter training exercises, public utility operations, natural gas and mining operations, or agricultural planting and harvesting activities. Burns conducted by certified Prescribed Burn Managers under the Texas Natural Resources Code are also exempt.
Who is affected
The order covers only unincorporated Galveston County. Residents within city limits of Friendswood, Clear Lake Shores or other municipalities should check with their local fire department for any separate restrictions.
No drought index reading or weather data was cited in the publicly available agenda materials to explain what triggered the ban.
How to report violations
Residents who witness a burn ban violation can contact the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management at 281-309-5002 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For after-hours incidents, call 888-384-2000.
