Conroe, Tx July 6th, 2009 – Montgomery County is currently experiencing severe drought conditions throughout the County. The current average Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reading is now 695 while some areas in the County are at levels as high as 714. Although the entire County is affected, some of the driest conditions exist in the National Forest area North and West of Montgomery and along the I45 corridor in South County. These conditions lead to an increased risk of wildfires due to the lack of moisture in ground cover fuels such as brush, pine straw and grasses. A KBDI reading between 700 and 800 is associated with increased fire occurrence and those fires may be expected to grow rapidly in size and be difficult to control.
Explanation of KBDI Index – http://ticc.tamu.edu/KBDI%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
Although the holiday weekend is over, the restriction on skyrockets and missile fireworks will remain in effect as previously ordered by Commissioner’s Court. A Ban on Outdoor burning remains in effect, and the Fire Marshal’s Office asks that residents refrain from shooting off any leftover fireworks until conditions improve. During the July 4th holiday, there was a significant spike in wildfires, culminating in nearly 30 reported fires on Saturday July 4th. Between 7 PM and Midnight 20 wildfires were reported in the County. Many of the 911 callers indicated that the fires had started from fireworks. Most of the fires this weekend were quickly contained by firefighters, as many County Fire Departments had placed additional firefighters on duty over the Holiday. The largest fire this weekend occurred in the area near where Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties meet East of New Caney.
This fire was estimated at 45 acres and 11 Montgomery County units responded to assist the Huffman Fire Department at that fire.
Montgomery County Firefighters and MCFMO Fire Marshals continue to respond to over 10 reports of illegal burning each day. Constables and Sheriff’s Deputies, as well as State and U.S. Forestry Law Enforcement Officers are responding as well to reports of illegal burning. Most residents are complying but some citations have been written. Violation of the Outdoor Burn Ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
We are asking that all Montgomery County residents refrain from burning or any other activity that could lead to wildfires. As the area is forecast to have a chance of rainfall today, it is important that residents not burn until the burn ban is lifted. You should not burn just because your area receives some passing rainfall.
Residents can check the status of the burn ban 24 hours a day by going to our website, http://www.mctx.org/fire or by calling (936) 538-8288.
For more information email mcfmo@mctx.org or go to our website for the latest updates.
http://www.co.montgomery.tx.us/fire/index.shtml
For more information on how to protect your home from wildfire – Texas Forest Service
http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1612
http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/uploadedFiles/FRP/UWI/Firewise_Defensible_Space.pdf
