Fort Bend County banned outdoor burning in all unincorporated areas Thursday, Aug. 27, effective at 5 p.m., after the county's drought index climbed into severe wildfire territory.

The order affects Fulshear-area residents on unincorporated land. Violators face a Class C misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500.

The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office reported the county's Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) reading at 634 on a scale of zero to 800, according to KPRC 2. The U.S. Forest Service classifies readings of 600 to 800 as associated with severe drought and increased wildfire occurrence, with intense, deep-burning fires expected.

The Fire Marshal's Office said the ban was approved after reviewing drought data and an extended forecast calling for continued heat and little rainfall. Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved the order during its Aug. 27 meeting at the Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond.

What's prohibited

Under the order, residents may not burn or direct another person to burn material outdoors unless the fire is completely contained in an enclosure designed to hold all flames, sparks, embers and ash, My Neighborhood News reported.

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

Exceptions

The order carves out limited exceptions authorized under state law: qualifying firefighting training, public utility and natural gas pipeline operations, mining activities, agricultural planting or harvesting, and prescribed burns conducted by certified and insured burn managers.

How long it lasts

The county judge may rescind the ban after consulting with the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal and determining that drought conditions no longer pose a hazard. The order cannot remain in place for more than 90 days without further action by Commissioners Court.

No scheduled review date has been announced.

Statewide context

The ban comes during a dangerous stretch across Texas. The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County burned more than 78 square miles starting Aug. 24, destroying structures at a youth camp and prompting evacuations, according to the Insurance Journal.

Residents inside incorporated city limits should follow their municipality's own rules. Peace officers are authorized to enforce the county order in unincorporated areas.