Harris County burn ban remains in effect

HOUSTON "The risk of damaging wildfires still poses a threat to lives and property," Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery said in a release Saturday. "Our citizens must not be lulled into a false sense of security. Just because their neighborhood may have received 1-2 inches of rain over the past few days, outside burning is not allowed."

On June 21, the Harris County Commissioners Court extended the burn ban for 90 days, keeping the county under a full burn ban until mid-October.

Violation of the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. In addition, if you start a fire that causes damage to property without the consent of the owner, officials say you could be charged with reckless damage or destruction -- a Class C misdemeanor -- or felony arson.

For more information about the burn ban, visit www.hcfmo.net.