Multiple Texas Counties Under Active Burn Bans Amid Ongoing Drought
- Rita Shipp
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
As dry weather lingers across much of the state, several Texas counties have implemented or extended burn bans to reduce wildfire risk, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Counties Under Current Burn Bans
As of October 2025, the following Texas counties are under active burn bans due to elevated wildfire risk and ongoing drought conditions:
Knox, King, Mills, Kent, Throckmorton, Fisher, Bastrop, Travis, Colorado, Angelina, Houston, Polk, Shelby, Trinity, and Walker.
Regional Impacts and Local Updates
While this list represents the counties officially reported by the Forest Service, local restrictions may reach even further.
Each burn ban is enacted by county judges or commissioners, who base their decisions on drought conditions and wildfire danger levels.
For instance, Colorado County extended its burn ban in late September for another 90 days due to persistent dry conditions. In Central Texas, Bastrop and Travis counties have maintained strict burn bans following an increase in wildfire activity.
Here in Deep East Texas, Angelina, Houston, Polk, Shelby, Trinity, and Walker counties—areas that border national forest regions—remain under active restrictions. These areas continue to face elevated fire risk due to low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds.
Checking Your County’s Status
Residents are urged to check the official Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban map before conducting any outdoor burning.
Local fire marshals or county offices can provide the most up-to-date information, as conditions can change quickly with rainfall or shifting drought indexes.
Violating a burn ban can result in fines or criminal penalties. Fire officials remind residents to use caution with outdoor activities, such as welding, barbecuing, or using machinery that could generate sparks.
For the latest statewide updates, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website or contact your local county office.
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