A two-month-long ban on outdoor burning in Brazoria County has been canceled, and the county’s Emergency Management Office is encouraging those with accumulated burn piles to take advantage of the lifted ban as another possible threat looms.
“With the height of hurricane season upon us, flying debris in a hurricane or high wind event could cause damage to property and possibly individuals,” the office states in an Aug. 29 release.
Outdoor burning of trash or brush piles is never permitted within city limits.
Decisions to ban all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas are made by each county’s administrators based on a drought scale established by the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI as it is commonly known, ranges from zero to 800. Zero represents saturated soil, while 800 represents absolutely dry conditions.
Brazoria County was averaging 684 when the burn ban was issued June 23. Anything over 600 is considered severe drought with a high danger of wildfires, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. That average has dropped below 300 for the past two weeks, and forecasts call for 50% rain chances daily through the weekend.
As the Gulf Coast enters September, weather experts have issued reminders that the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season is still to come.
NOAA’s recent update to the 2022 outlook — which covers the entire six-month hurricane season that ends on Nov. 30 — calls for 14-20 named storms, or those winds of 39 mph or greater.
“Communities and families should prepare now for the remainder of what is still expected to be an active hurricane season,” said Ken Graham, director of the National Weather Service. “Ensure that you are ready to take action if a hurricane threatens your area by developing an evacuation plan and gathering hurricane supplies now, before a storm is bearing down on your community.”
Preparedness tips are available online at Ready.gov or Listo.gov.
