Legislation Details

File #: 26-5864    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 9/2/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 9/17/2026 Final action:
Title: Request for approval of a countywide burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County effective September 17, 2026, 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.
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
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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 September 17, 2026, 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 September 2, 2026, is ranging from a minimum of 451 to a maximum of 741 with an average throughout the county of 663. 

 

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:

None at this time.

 

County Strategic Plan Goal:  1. Make Harris County safer and more just.

County Strategic Plan Objective: R: Enhance disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resiliency.

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

Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A

 

Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:

 

Prior Court Action (if any):

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Location:

Address (if applicable): 2318 Atascocita, Humble

Precinct(s): Countywide

 

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County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only)

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CAO Review Completion Date

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Anticipated Court Date: 9/17/2026

Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 9/17/2026

 

Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item

 

Contact(s) name, title, department: Rodney Reed, Executive Chief, HCFMO

 

Attachments (if applicable):