Galveston County leaders voted in favor of a burn ban on Tuesday.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Due to high fire risk, Galveston County leaders voted Tuesday to implement a burn ban.
It’s in effect for the unincorporated areas of Galveston County.
What is a burn ban?
A burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless it occurs within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks.
What can you burn?
Outdoor burning authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental QualityApproved ceremonial firesNon-commercial cooking like backyard cookouts and barbecuesWelding and other “hot work” can be carried out as long as they comply with county fire code regulations
Harris County leaders approved a similar measure last week as fireworks sales began for Diwali. They said sales would continue until midnight on Oct. 23, but restrictions would be put in place to reduce the fire risk. Specifically, vendors were prohibited from selling skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins.
If you do use fireworks, exercise these precautions:
Read all caution labels carefullyKeep a water source nearby in case of emergenciesThoroughly soak used fireworks before disposing of them in the trash
Anyone who violates the burn ban could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to a $500 fine. Also, anyone who starts a fire that causes property damage could be charged with reckless damage or destruction, which is also a misdemeanor, or arson, which is a felony.
As of Tuesday night, 161 counties across Texas were under burn bans, including Harris County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Montgomery County, Chambers County and Liberty County.
RELATED: More Houston-area counties implement burn bans as dry weather increases fire risk
Additional tips
Use precautions when outdoor cooking: Avoid placing the grill on dry grass or other plant material. A stray spark could easily start a fire.
If using a charcoal starter fluid, never add it after the grill has started. The liquid could spark a flare-up and cause an injury.
When finished with charcoal grilling, let the coals completely cool and dispose of them in a metal container, and soak in water.
Properly discard cigarettes and other smoking materials. Never throw a lit cigarette or cigarette butt out the window of a vehicle. It could land on dry grass or be blown into dry vegetation and start a fire.
Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants, or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves, or other things that could ignite easily.
Beware of threats related to lawn maintenance and vehicles in dry conditions.
Lawnmowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires.
Avoid driving through tall grass and never park your vehicle on dry grass or leaves. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires.
Adjust the safety chains on your trailers to ensure they don’t drag and create sparks that can cause roadside fires.
All fires start small. If you see an unattended fire, call 911 and notify your local fire department immediately. In dry conditions, a small fire can spread quickly and threaten people and property.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.