With the first cool front of the year forecast to hit our area next week, many residents will be looking to take advantage of cooler weather to clean up their yards and property. While conditions will be great for being outdoors, wildfire danger can spike dramatically this time of year, especially in the days before and after the passing of a front.
Most of Montgomery County is now considered to be facing moderate to severe drought conditions as our average Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) has now crept above 600 for the first time this summer. The Keetch Byram Drought Index measures rainfall deficits on a scale of 1-800 with 800 being the worst and representing that it would take approximately 8” of rain to fully saturate the ground. Any reading above 600 represents higher fire danger, while readings of 700 or more represent extreme fire danger. Some areas of Montgomery County, especially near Magnolia and Montgomery, are already registering readings as high as 689 on the KBDI index.
For the most part, higher humidity and low winds have helped keep our wildfires small over the last few weeks, with only a few growing to be larger than 1 or 2 acres, but that will change unless we see significant rainfall accompanying our fall cool fronts. Higher winds before the passage of a front can lead to more fires, while high winds and low humidity after the passage of a front can cause wildfires to grow and spread explosively.
Residents are reminded that most outdoor burning is prohibited year round, with a few exceptions. Household garbage and refuse from commercial businesses may not be burned at any time. In unincorporated areas, residents may be able to burn small limbs gathered from their own residential property, as long as the smoke does not create a nuisance for their neighbors. Leaf burning is not recommended as it will quickly cause health issues due to the amount of smoke generated.
If you live in a city or town, you should contact your local city hall for more information on outdoor burning. Most cities prohibit all burning or have special restrictions in place.
