Severe Drought Prompts Countywide Burn Ban in Montgomery County

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough has declared a local state of disaster and implemented a countywide burn ban, effective October 14, due to rapidly worsening drought conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, as stated in a Facebook post on October 13.

A directive has been issued in collaboration with the County Fire Marshal and the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, banning all outdoor burning unless explicitly authorized and inspected by the Fire Marshal’s Office. Commercial land-clearing operations utilizing air curtain incinerators must pause until inspections and approvals are finalized.

Keough cautioned that extended periods of dry weather have rendered vegetation “dangerously dry,” significantly increasing the region's vulnerability to wildfires. “Even minor sparks can swiftly escalate into perilous wildfires,” he emphasized, encouraging residents to adhere to the directive.

This week, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, a key measure of soil moisture levels, reached 668, categorizing Montgomery County as experiencing a severe drought. Officials in the county have announced a series of recent fires ignited by the unlawful disposal of household waste, even with ongoing restrictions in place throughout the year.

“We urge everyone to stop all outdoor burning until further notice,” Keough stated in his announcement.

The declaration sets in motion the county’s emergency management plan, empowering local authorities to organize disaster response and recovery efforts. Those who breach the prohibition may be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 or a maximum of 180 days of incarceration, as outlined in county regulations. The order will remain in effect until conditions improve and the county determines it is safe to lift the restrictions.

Montgomery County enforced a burn ban in October 2024, coinciding with a period of dry conditions. The county has faced several significant fires recently, including the Pauline Road Fire earlier this year, which burned more than 2,400 acres north of Montgomery and led to temporary evacuations before being brought under control.

Firefighters from local departments, along with the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MCOHSEM) and state firefighting teams, collaborated to extinguish the fire and assist residents who were forced to evacuate.

With ongoing drought conditions, county officials are emphasizing the importance of vigilance among residents. They advise against outdoor burning and encourage immediate reporting of any signs of smoke or fire.