| MCFMO Media Release:
Montgomery County Firefighters are on the fire lines across the State;
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow all burning restrictions.
Rapid onset of “Flash Drought” contributes to breakout of fires in North and Central Texas.
A persistent heat wave has left much of the Lone Star State drier than normal and this weekend saw a number of new wildfires break out and threaten homes and ranches, especially in the northwest part of the State. One of the largest is the Ross Fire in Palo Pinto and Jack Counties. Montgomery County Fire Departments have sent crews and apparatus to assist under the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. They will work for 14-21 days before returning home. The costs of these deployments are borne by the State, but the training and experience gained is invaluable and leaves our Firefighters better prepared to handle wildfires here at home.
Residents urged to comply with local regulations including the year-round ban on trash burning.
Here in Montgomery County, the number of wildfires has remained relatively low, with the few that have broken out being quickly extinguished by a combined effort between local Firefighters and the Texas A&M Forest Service. Residents are reminded that outdoor burning in Texas is generally illegal under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules unless it meets specific state exceptions.
In Montgomery County, the burning of household trash in or around subdivisions and on less than 5 acres of land is always prohibited. This year-round restriction eliminates one of the most common wildfire causes. At this time, the only legal burning allowed is the burning of limbs and leaves gathered by a resident on their own property. While this type of burning is currently legal in unincorporated areas, residents are asked to refrain from burning until conditions improve. Residents in Municipal areas and The Woodlands Township are bound by local regulations that are often more restrictive than those for other unincorporated areas of the County.
The following is a summary of burning prohibitions in effect at all times in Montgomery County;
• Residential Trash Burning – Class C Misdemeanor up to a $500 fine
• Burning of any kind on commercial property – Fines and Jail Time dependent on size and nature
• Surface Burning of Land Clearing Debris – Escalating fines starting at $1000 per occurrence
• Illegal Dumping/Disposal by Fire – Subject to arrest, escalating quickly to Felony Charges |
