HOUSTON – Harris County officials issued a burn ban Tuesday for the area due to extremely dry conditions.
The decision was made during commissioners court with input from the Harris County fire marshal.
"It's very hot, it's very dry and burning right now is very dangerous," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett.
The burn restrictions require the use of covered burn containers for the incineration of household trash, vegetation and campfires.
"While this is a precautionary restriction and not a total burn ban, residents should not discount the growing fire risk in the county," said Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery. "By taking protective measures now, we can reduce the risk of wildfires as we head into the late summer."
The ban will go into October if necessary, but it can be removed if enough rain hits the region.
Last week, a burn ban was issued for unincorporated Galveston County for 90 days.
Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller, Walker and Wharton counties have also issued burn bans.