09/17/2026
Today, the Harris County Commissioners’ Court approved a burn ban that goes into effect immediately on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and will remain in place for 90 days, unless extended or suspended by the court. The burn ban, requested by the Harris County Fire Marshal’s office, is in response to prolonged dry conditions in parts of unincorporated Harris County. The full text of the burn ban is available here.
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning unless the burning occurs within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks.
What is allowed:
• Outdoor burning authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• Approved ceremonial fires.
• Non-commercial cooking like backyard cookouts and barbecues.
• Additionally, welding and other "hot work" can be carried out as long as they comply with county fire code regulations.
Violation of the ban is a Class "C" misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition, any person who starts a fire that causes damage to property without the owner's consent may be charged with Reckless Damage or Destruction, a Class C misdemeanor, or arson, a felony.
Currently, more than 210 counties across Texas, including our neighbors in Fort Bend County, Waller County, Galveston County, and Brazoria County are also under burn bans in efforts to reduce wildfire threats.
A burn ban is now in place for unincorporated areas of Harris County, effective today September 17, 2026.
This ban was officially approved during today's Commissioner's Court meeting.
Presently, there are 216 counties in Texas under a burn ban, including our neighboring counties of Fort Bend County, Waller County, Brazoria and Galveston County. - https://mailchi.mp/8abf5b12acce/burn-ban-now-in-effect