Burleson County declares local disaster for fire danger

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Burleson County has declared local disaster because of enhanced risk of wildfire danger. The declaration says the fires have potential to endanger lives and damage property on a large scale.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a Disaster Declaration on Monday for 143 counties due to elevated fire weather condition. This includes Burleson, Brazos, Leon, Madison counties, and many more.

In Burleson County's disaster declaration, it was revealed that 100% of the county was in moderate drought conditions, putting the county within the highest range of increased fire weather, as of Friday.

County Judge Keith Schroeder declared a local disaster due to the magnitude of potential damage.

The declaration reads in part, ""

This local disaster declaration expires after seven days unless it is renewed before then. That will be observed Friday, Oct. 25.

At this time, all 16 of Brazos Valley's counties are under burn bans .

Burn bans do not apply to "prescribed outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety'" according to Brazos County's burn ban guidelines. Outdoor cooking and open flame devices are prohibited.

Violating a burn ban could result in jail time or thousands of dollars in fines.