Judge Mark Henry signed a burn ban June 14, 2022 to prohibit outdoor burning in the unincorporated parts of Galveston County.
Burn bans are enacted at the county level based on local drought, wind and other conditions, and the threat of wildfire. When enacted, they prohibit or restrict outdoor burning for public safety, including campfires and controlled burns.
The Texas Forest Service determined June 13 that drought conditions existed in the county as evidenced by the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDD). With rates above 600 on the index after measuring moisture in the soil, the county is considered to be in severe drought and this means an increased fire risk.
County residents in unincorporated areas will not be able to burn trash or brush and campfires will not be allowed.
For any violations, the person committing the violation could face a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
Cities in the county may follow with calling a burn ban for the area. The City of Santa Fe has issued a burn ban within their city limit.
