Brazoria County officials have issued a burn ban effective to the end of February and commissioners may vote on Dec. 11 to ban aerial fireworks if drought conditions persist.

According to a press release, the Brazoria County Emergency Management Office issued the 90-day burn ban on Nov. 16 as ordered by Commissioners Court and it encompasses all of unincorporated Brazoria County. Outdoor burning of debris from land clearing, which generally includes brush, leaves, trees and branches, is included in the ban.

"It is the discretion of peace officers or fire chiefs to determine violations of this order," the release states. Brazoria County deputy emergency management coordinator Glenn LaMont said violations of the ban can result in up to a $500 fine.

LaMont said if current dry conditions continue commissioners may vote on Dec. 11 to extend the burn ban to cover aerial fireworks.

"The commissioners are required by law to make a decision by Dec. 15 so that fireworks stand owners can know prior to ordering their merchandise," LaMont said.

He said the county does not want to ban fireworks sales outright because they know it hits sellers in the pocketbook and because the sales taxes are a good revenue source for the county. Neither, however, does the county wish to see a repeat of last summer.

"We saw a number of incidents last summer wherein people lost control of outdoor burn piles. There were a number of houses, barns and sheds that were lost as a result of the dry conditions and fires getting out of control," he said.

Aerial fireworks would be on the county's radar for the obvious reason that they can fly onto the rooftops of structures and into dry, open fields or wooded areas which contain kindling, he said.

Burning debris from land clearing, be it by local homeowners on acreage, farmers or construction contractors is the most economical way to get rid of it and that's why it's so common, LaMont said.

Under normal circumstances outdoor burning is legal provided proper notification has been given to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and that no local ordinances are violated.

County Judge Joe King is authorized to lift the burn ban if weather conditions improve prior to the end of the 90-day period.

LaMont said his office follows the drought index provided by the Texas Forest Service and from there makes its recommendations to the commissioners.

Maps depicting drought conditions can be checked at the website of txforestservicetamu.edu under the link "Fire Danger/Drought."

The TCEQ, via a "Do's and Don'ts" publication on its website, recommends calling the appropriate city or county code enforcement office or the local fire department to make sure outdoor burning will not place you in violation of any local law.

Those engaged in outdoor burning should also make sure they don't create traffic hazards by starting fires that create smoke which blows across a road or into the homes or yards of neighbors.

The TCEQ says one should never burn electrical insulation, tires, treated lumber, heavy oils, asphalt materials or potentially explosive materials or chemicals.

More information about outdoor burning can be found by visiting the TCEQ website at tceq.texas.gov or by calling 888-777-3186.

Mark Quick is a freelance writer. He can be reached at markquick@windstream.net