After what Galveston County Judge Mark Henry described as four or more weeks of little to no rain, the county's emergency management office is urging residents to take steps now to protect their properties from wildfire.
Galveston County Commissioners Court approved a burn ban on Monday, Aug. 17, prohibiting outdoor burning of trash, brush, vegetation and debris in all unincorporated areas of the county until further notice. Violating the order is a Class C misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.
The ban has no end date.
It directly covers unincorporated Galveston County communities such as Bacliff, San Leon and Algoa. Friendswood and Clear Lake Shores are incorporated cities not subject to the county order, but residents on unincorporated parcels near those communities fall under the ban. Residents within Friendswood and Clear Lake Shores city limits should check with their local fire marshal's office about open-burning rules.
"A burn ban becomes necessary during times of drought, usually after four or more weeks of little to no rain," Henry said on Aug. 17, according to the Galveston County Daily News. "While a burn ban is in place, take all necessary precautions to help stop the possibility of out of control fires."
Six steps to reduce wildfire risk at home
The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management published a checklist residents should follow while drought conditions persist, according to CW39:
- Mow grass to about 2 inches. Short turf is harder to ignite and slows fire spread.
- Safely store fuel and flammables. Keep gasoline, propane tanks and lighter fluid in approved containers away from structures.
- Place ladders and trellises away from rooftops. These can act as fire ladders, carrying flames to your roof.
- Clear away dead plants and leaves. Dry debris against a house or fence is fuel waiting for a spark.
- Water your yard and shrubs. Even limited irrigation keeps vegetation less combustible.
- Trim tree branches from the ground up to 6 feet. Removing low limbs prevents ground-level fire from climbing into the canopy.
The Galveston County OEM noted that dry conditions could allow a single spark to quickly start a fire, and urged extra caution with any activity that could ignite dry vegetation.
What's exempt
Exceptions to the ban include burns approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for firefighter training, utilities, pipelines, mining and agricultural work.
How to stay updated
Residents can check for updates on the burn ban at GCOEM.org or call the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management at (281) 309-5002.
