Fort Bend County banned outdoor burning in all unincorporated areas Thursday, Aug. 27, after the county's drought index climbed to 634 out of 800.

The ban took effect at 5 p.m. It applies to all unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County, including areas near Missouri City and Stafford, though it does not apply within either city's incorporated limits.

Fort Bend County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve the order at its Aug. 27 meeting, according to Community Impact Newspaper. The Texas A&M Forest Service had determined that drought conditions exist across the entire county.

The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office reported the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reading at 634. The index runs from zero, meaning no moisture depletion, to 800, representing extremely dry conditions. An extended forecast calling for continued heat and little rainfall drove the decision, according to county officials cited by KPRC 2.

What's prohibited

Under the county order, no person may burn or direct someone else to burn any material outdoors unless the fire is completely contained in an enclosure designed to hold all flames, sparks, embers and ash.

Specifically banned: trash burning, campfires, burn barrels and other open-flame devices.

Exemptions

The order exempts burns related to public health and safety, including firefighting training, public utility and natural gas pipeline operations, and agricultural planting or harvesting. Certified and insured prescribed burn managers meeting Texas Natural Resources Code standards may also conduct burns.

Penalties and duration

Violating the ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. Peace officers enforce the order.

The ban has no end date. It remains in effect until the Fort Bend County Judge rescinds it after consulting with the County Fire Marshal, or until Commissioners Court acts. Under state law, the order cannot exceed 90 days without commissioners' consent, placing an outer limit around late November.

Fort Bend joined roughly 200 other Texas counties under burn bans as of Aug. 27, including Wharton and Galveston counties. Harris County did not have a burn ban in place.

Residents unsure whether their property falls under the ban can check with the county or their local fire department.