At the request of Brazoria County Emergency Manager, Steve Rosa; Commissioner’s Court issued a 90-day burn ban for Brazoria County. This ban is effective August 11, 2015 and prohibits outdoor burning as ordered by Brazoria County Commissioners Court. Commissioners Court has established this restriction for all unincorporated areas of Brazoria County. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Brazoria County on August 11 is 690 and continues to rise making the next 14 day outlook KBDI reaching 747. Once the KBDI reaches the 600-800 range, it is often associated with severe drought with an increase concern of wildfires.

A violation of this burn ban order includes burning any combustible material outside of an enclosure serving to contain all flames and/or sparks, or order such burning by others. Contained BBQ grills are permitted, but open flame pits are not. Any violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine.

If weather conditions improve for safe outdoor burning before the 90-days, which means a KBDI below 400 for five consecutive days, County Judge Matt Sebesta may authorize the burn ban lifted. Until that time, it is the discretion of peace officers or fire chiefs, to determine violations of this order and may prosecute in accordance with the statutes and procedures governing misdemeanors of this nature. Please refer to the Brazoria County Emergency Management website for more information and updates concerning the burn ban at http://www.brazoria-county.com.