Legislation Details

File #: 24-6503    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Policy Status: Passed
File created: 10/2/2024 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 10/8/2024 Final action: 10/8/2024
Title: Request by the Fire Marshal for approval of a countywide burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County effective October 8, 2024, 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.

Department: Fire Marshal

Department Head/Elected Official: Laurie L. Christensen, Fire Marshal

 

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA

Type of Request: Policy

 

Project ID (if applicable): N/A

Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A

 

MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A

MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A

Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal:  N/A - Goal not applicable to request

 

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):

title

Request by the Fire Marshal for approval of a countywide burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County effective October 8, 2024, 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 2, 2024, is ranging from a minimum of 448 to a maximum of 718 with an average throughout the county of 648. 

 

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

 

Alignment with Goal(s):

X Justice and Safety

_ Economic Opportunity

_ Housing

_ Public Health

_ Transportation

_ Flooding

X Environment

_ Governance and Customer Service

 

Prior Court Action (if any):

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Location:

Address (if applicable):

Precinct(s): Countywide

 

Fiscal and Personnel Summary

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Additional Budget Request (Requires Fiscal Review Request Form)

 

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Personnel (Fill out section only if requesting new PCNs)

 

Current Position Count for Service

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Total Personnel

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Anticipated Court Date: October 8, 2024

Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):

 

Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Emergency item

 

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

 

Attachments (if applicable): Burn Ban Order