Overview

• County commissioners approved the ban Thursday for unincorporated Harris County, restricting outdoor burning unless flames and sparks are fully contained within an enclosure.
• Fireworks vendors may not sell “skyrockets with sticks” or “missiles with fins” during the Diwali sales period, though other sales may continue through Oct. 23.
• Violations are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $500, and fires that damage property could lead to Reckless Damage or Destruction or arson charges.
• The restrictions are slated for 90 days or until drought conditions ease, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting the county largely abnormally dry and parts of the region in moderate drought.
• Matagorda County also instituted a burn ban Thursday, adding to earlier actions in Fort Bend, Montgomery, Waller, Liberty, and other counties, as the governor expanded wildfire disaster coverage to 179 counties and activated additional emergency resources.