Fire Marshal Urges Caution when Burning Outdoors

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Recent rainfall has dramatically reduced the risk of wildfires in Montgomery County and has allowed the lifting of an Outdoor Burning Ban that had been in place for most of the summer. With the lifting of the burn ban, residents in unincorporated areas of the County may now burn small limbs and similar natural debris that they gather on their own residential property. Household garbage or man-made refuse may not be burned at any time. Burning on commercial property is also prohibited year round by State air quality regulations. The MCFMO does not recommend the burning of leaves due to the amount of smoke it creates, affecting anyone with health issues such as asthma or emphysema.

With fall approaching, many residents will be cleaning up their property and removing trees killed by a persistent drought. While some outdoor burning can now be conducted legally, it is not without risk and residents are urged to seek alternatives when available.

Earlier this year New Caney resident Pete Fernandez Tamayo suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns while attempting to light a pile of brush on fire at his home. New Caney Firefighters and MCHD EMS were called to the scene on Mexican John Rd shortly before noon on January 20th and immediately requested a Helicopter to transport the victim to a burn center, where he later died.

Since the lifting of the burn ban, officials have noted an increase in the number of burn injuries associated with outdoor burning. Recent examples include;

10/4/2013, Pine Drive, New Caney, 34 year old poured gasoline on a burn pile. 2nd degree burns to upper body, taken by ground ambulance to MHH, Houston.

10/09/2013, South Montgomery County, a resident clearing land poured diesel fuel on a smoldering pile of logs. Flown to MHH, Houston, 2nd and 3rd degree burns to chest, arms and face.

A common theme in most of these injuries is the introduction of a flammable or combustible liquid into the fire. Studies have shown that 80% of outdoor burning injuries resulted from use of an accelerant such as gasoline or diesel to start a fire. While most of the injuries were to the person starting the fire, sadly many times the resulting flash fire has also injured small children nearby. Flammable liquid vapors are heavier than air and can travel away from the burn pile, injuring anyone standing in a low area where they accumulate.

Here are a few simple tips if you do choose to burn;

Never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquids to start a brush fire

Do not allow small children to participate or stand nearby when lighting a brush fire

Never burn household garbage or refuse. Garbage burning is prohibited year round

Check to see if weather changes are expected. Postpone outdoor burning if shifts in wind direction, high winds or wind gusts are forecast.

Before doing any burning, establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil at least five feet wide around small brush piles.

Keep your brush piles small, the larger the pile, the wider the control line that is needed.

Stay with all outdoor fires, until they are completely out.

For more information on outdoor burning and fire safety, please go to Montgomery County Fire Marshall or like us on Facebook at Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office Facebook