Primary Department: Fire Marshal
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Laurie L. Christensen, Fire Marshal
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a countywide burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County effective October 16, 2025, until the earlier of 90 days after the date of adoption or a determination is made by the Texas Forest Service that drought conditions no longer exist within Harris County; with the condition of prohibiting the sale of "sticks and fins" fireworks defined in LGC 352.051 (a) (1) and other restrictions as authorized under LGC 352.081.
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Background and Discussion:
The request for a County Burn Ban is driven by current data metrics, projected weather patterns, and trend analysis. A County implements a burn ban when the KBDI average is 575 or greater. Current KBDI on October 7, 2025, is ranging from a minimum of 487 to a maximum of 729 with an average throughout the county of 624.
Expected Impact:
Provide additional prevention of fires by banning outdoor burning during drought conditions, which leaves vegetation in a dry state ready for ignition.
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Ho...
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