THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS (August 11, 2015) – Drought conditions across Southeast Texas, including Montgomery County and The Woodlands Township, combined with dry vegetation and extreme temperatures, have increased the potential for wildfires that could spread at a rapid pace, placing lives and property in harm’s way.

Here is an update from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office:

www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=4529

Montgomery County issued a burn ban, today, August 11, 2015, which prohibits outdoor burning. The Woodlands Township does not allow open burning at any time without a permit, and the fire department urges all residents to use extreme caution when using any type of open flame.

“Until conditions improve, The Woodlands Fire Department discourages any use of fire pits, charcoal grills or any other sources of ignition that could cause an accidental fire,” said The Woodlands Fire Chief Alan B. Benson.

“The prolonged lack of sufficient rainfall and near record-breaking temperatures have led to decreased levels of moisture found in surface fuels, fallen limbs, trees and accumulated debris on the forest floor, which can readily ignite.”

The Woodlands Fire Department anticipates an increase in the number of grass and woods fires in The Woodlands and surrounding areas until conditions improve.

The Fire Department encourages everyone to be especially vigilant with all open flames, including smoking materials.

“Please be very careful and aware of the situation, and if you should smell or suspect fire of any type, please call 9-1-1,” Chief Benson said.

For more information about the fire ban in Montgomery County, please visit:

mctx.org/fire/

For more information about the fire ban from the state’s perspective, please visit:

http://ticc.tamu.edu/PredictiveServices/FuelsFireDanger.htm

For more information on The Woodlands Township, please call 281-210-3800 or visit http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/.