At the request of fire chiefs in Galveston County, Commissioners Court has voted to ban outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the county for the first time in 2015.

The ban will take effect immediately and remain in effect for 90 days, unless commissioners vote on an order to end it sooner.

“There is no precipitation forecasted to occur in the near future,” Galveston County Judge Mark Henry said. “Under these extremely dry circumstances, with an abundance of cured vegetation and windy conditions, our local fire chiefs felt it could be a public safety hazard.”

Galveston County Office of Emergency Management has received two requests for an outdoor burn ban and has been advised that Volunteer Fire Departments are in support of the outdoor ban.

The outdoor ban also applies to fireworks. Contained BBQ grills are permitted, but open flame pits are not.

If you have questions about the burn ban you can contact the County Judge’s office at (409) 770-5325.