BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Bexar County has approved a burn ban in unincorporated areas of the county, effective immediately.
On Tuesday morning, the Bexar County Commissioners Court approved the ban on outdoor burning in those unincorporated areas. Those found to be in violation face a Class C misdemeanor and potential $500 fine.
Extremely dry conditions, as well as critical fire weather conditions, factored into the ban being put into effect. The ban will remain in place for 90 days, or until Bexar County commissioners or the Fire Marshal's Office says a hazard no longer exists.
Tuesday's KBDI (Keetch-Byram Drought Index) for unincorporated Bexar County was 683 out of 800. The scale indicates "seasonal drought on fire potential," and a score of 683 indicates wildfires can be extremely intense.
Brush fires in Bexar County have been on the rise the last two months. In September 2024, there was 51 brush-related fires. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 28, there was already 78 brush related fires.
Under the ban, private residences in unincorporated Bexar County can only burn household waste if no trash services are available and wind speeds are less than 15 mph. The Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office says the use of burn barrels with metal wire mesh screens can prevent the spread of sparks and flames.
