Burn ban signs are going up across Southeast Texas as dry conditions persist and rain continues to hold off, prompting officials in multiple counties to restrict outdoor burning amid growing wildfire concerns.

Jasper and Hardin counties issued new burn bans Tuesday. Newton and Tyler counties were already under burn bans. Jefferson and Orange counties were not yet under burn bans.

The heightened fire danger in Jasper County is reviving memories of a major wildfire that broke out around the same time three years ago. That fire started small but grew into one of the worst wildfires in Jasper County history, burning more than 3,700 acres and destroying multiple homes. No one was hurt.

Smaller fires have already broken out across the region, and officials say the dry grass is increasing the risk that even a minor spark could quickly become a fast-moving fire.

“We’ve already seen the non-traditional roadside starts with cigarette butts. We’ve already had that happen. To me, that is a barometer of how dry it is,” said Beech Grove Fire Chief Jamie Gunter.

Gunter said grass can ignite from mowers, burning compost or anything that can spark flames.

“If it is bone dry like it is right now, that could be where the fire starts,” Gunter said.

“They all start small, but in these conditions, they can rapidly accelerate. So you’ve got to get on it quick and fast,” he said.

Fire departments are also adjusting their response, calling for backup earlier because small fires can quickly grow under current conditions.

In Hardin County, officials said the decision to enact a burn ban came as drought conditions continued to worsen.

“By Tuesday morning, it became evident that we were gonna need to issue a burn ban,” said Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel.

McDaniel said the county had been watching drought conditions for weeks, hoping for rain that did not arrive. He said the burn ban will remain in effect at least through Tuesday, when commissioners are expected to review conditions.

Violating a burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor and can carry a fine of up to $500.