Legislation Details

File #: 25-6399    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Policy Status: Passed
File created: 10/2/2025 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 10/16/2025 Final action: 10/16/2025
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.

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.

end

 

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

Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A

 

Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan: N/A

 

Prior Court Action (if any):

Date

Agenda Item #

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Location:

Address (if applicable): 2318 Atascocita Road, Humble

Precinct(s): Countywide

 

Fiscal and Personnel Summary

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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs)

 

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Anticipated Court Date: 10/16/2025

Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.

 

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

 

Contact(s) name, title, department: Laurie L. Christensen, Fire Marshal, Fire Marshal’s Office

 

Attachments (if applicable):

Burn Ban Order