Outdoor burning is now prohibited in unincorporated Galveston County after Commissioners Court approved a burn ban Monday, Aug. 17, in response to active drought conditions.
The ban means residents living outside city limits cannot burn trash, brush, vegetation, debris or conduct any other outdoor burning while the order remains in effect. For League City-area residents, the key distinction: the ban applies to unincorporated pockets of Galveston County, not areas within League City's city limits. Residents unsure whether their property falls inside or outside city boundaries can check with the county or their homeowner's association.
The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management announced the ban Monday, urging residents to use extra caution with any activity that could create a spark or ignite dry vegetation.
No end date was announced.
Drought and wildfire risk
Drought conditions prompted the action, according to the county's announcement. August traditionally marks the peak month for Texas wildfires, with dry vegetation and summer heat creating prime conditions for ignition, according to state officials cited by Fox 4.
The Texas A&M Forest Service elevated the state's Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 earlier in August, and Gov. Greg Abbott activated additional wildfire response resources including helicopters, bulldozers and firefighting aircraft.
What's prohibited
Under the ban, all outdoor burning is off-limits in unincorporated Galveston County, according to the county's announcement. That includes:
- Burning trash or household waste
- Burning brush or vegetation
- Burning debris of any kind
The county also urged residents to avoid any activity that could create a spark or ignite dry vegetation while conditions persist.
How to get updates
The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, led by director Jesse Ryholt, directed residents to visit GCOEM.org for updates on when the ban may be lifted and for wildfire prevention guidance. The office can also be reached at (281) 309-5002.
