Waller County commissioners adopt burn ban as drought conditions worsen

Waller County Commissioners Court adopted a countywide outdoor burning ban on Oct. 15 after a brief from emergency management and fire-services staff showing persistent dryness and a spike in grass fires.

Marshall (county emergency management) told commissioners the drought index (KBDI) is elevated across much of the county and county fire units reported 34 grass fires in the past two weeks. Commissioners discussed frequent calls to the same rural roads and the added burden on volunteer departments and the sheriff’s dispatch. After the presentation a motion to implement the burn ban passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Surrounding counties already had burn bans in effect, and commissioners said the policy aims to reduce wildfire risk to suburban and wooded areas in north and central precincts that include pine stands where fires can escalate rapidly. County officials emphasized enforcement through nonemergency dispatch and urged neighbors to attempt a voluntary resolution before calling authorities.

Details: County staff advised residents to report burns that violate the ban to the sheriff’s nonemergency number (Waller County dispatch, (979) 826-8282) rather than social media. Commissioners noted liability for individuals whose out-of-control burns cause property damage and thanked local fire departments and deputies who will respond to complaints.

Ending: The court put the ban into effect immediately. Officials urged residents to call dispatch to report violations and said enforcement will be coordinated through the sheriff’s office and local departments.