Montgomery Co. issues burn ban, fireworks restrictions

MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Montgomery County officials announced an outdoor burn ban and restrictions on fireworks are now in effect in response to the growing threat of wildfires in the area.

The Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office said Tuesday County Judge Alan B. Sadler issued a Local Disaster Declaration restricting the use of two types of fireworks, including "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins."

Officials said these two types of fireworks can fly out of the control of the user. All other fireworks can be used; however, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office recommends using caution should you choose to set off fireworks.   

A burn ban was also issued for all of Montgomery County. Officials said under the outdoor burn ban, all burning is prohibited in unincorporated Montgomery County until further notice. Violators of the burn ban would face a class C Misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. 

Officials said Montgomery County is home to one of the largest populations of Texans living in an Urban/Wildland Interface zone, which is an area where communities lie directly adjacent to forests or grasslands.  The large numbers of residents living in close proximity to wildlands and forest areas places the County at a higher risk for destructive wildfires.