The Liberty County Fire Marshal’s Office on Friday, Oct. 10, issued a declaration of local disaster temporarily prohibiting all open burning in the county due to worsening drought conditions.
The declaration, authorized under the Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a), was signed after the Liberty County fire marshal advised that current drought conditions pose an “imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made cause, including fire.”
While similar to a countywide burn ban, the local disaster declaration differs in that it is a temporary emergency order. It will remain in effect until Liberty County Commissioners Court meets to consider implementing a longer-term burn ban.
The Texas A&M Forest Service determines severe drought conditions through the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). According to the proclamation, the index has risen daily for the past 30 days, indicating increasingly dry conditions that significantly heighten wildfire risk.
“The current weather forecast for Liberty County does not predict rain for the next 30 days that would be sufficient to reduce the KBDI below the level indicating severe drought conditions,” the order states.
Under the declaration, it is unlawful to intentionally or knowingly burn household refuse outdoors on any lot located in a neighborhood and smaller than five acres. It is also an offense to engage in burning any combustible material in violation of the ban or to order such burning by others.
Violations of the order are classified as Class C misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 100 hours of community service.
The fire marshal’s office urged residents to take the declaration seriously to help prevent wildfires and protect property and lives during the ongoing drought.
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