Wildland fires are an integral component of the ecosystem of Harris County. For millennia, low intensity fires have maintained the health of our native forests and grasslands. However, changes in land use and fire suppression have created a wildland-urban interface (WUI) that significantly increased the risk of wildfires by altering the composition and structure of native vegetation in fire-prone ecosystems.
If you live in one of many local subdivisions away from rural areas or larger, multi-acre home sites and your subdivision has fire hydrants and maintained lawns and trees, you are at lower risk. But, even in these areas an accumulation of dead grass, leaves or branches can increase your risk. Factors increase greatly if you live on property or in a subdivision with limited fire protection and native grasslands, brush, or trees such as cedar, yaupon, or pine trees.
Firewise Community Programs
Texas Forest Services
Protect Your Home and Community from Wildfire
Wildfires: Protect yourself and your community
The Harris County Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) is the culmination of many months of work by many organizations and individuals. It represents the expertise of fire officials from local fire departments, Harris County, and the State. As part of a continuous, “evergreen” process, the Plan is designed to identify objectives for reducing the risks from wildland fire for the residents of Harris County. For more information please view:
The HCFMO executive summaryThe Harris County CWPP Plan
The outdoor burning rule prohibits outdoor burning anywhere in Texas, but allows exceptions for specific situations in which burning is necessary and does not pose a threat to the environment. The HCFMO does not issue permits for outdoor burning. For a guide to outdoor burning including information about how to answer “Can I Burn?” please download the following document in English or Spanish.
Outdoor burning can be an air nuisance or neighborhood nuisance. For complaints/reports of outdoor burning, contact the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department.
Phone: (713) 920-2831Fax: (713) 274-6475Email: pollution.control@pcs.hctx.net
Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI)