KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 27, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
Local firefighters put out a 60-acre grass fire off of Katy Hockley Road yesterday. Katy authorities stress the importance of recognizing the burn ban in Harris, Fort Bend, and surrounding counties as the condition continues to worsen.
60-Acre Katy Grass Fire Successfully Put Out
A grass fire that spanned 60-acres broke out yesterday afternoon off of Katy Hockley Road just north of 359. Willowfork Fire Department assisted Cy Fair Fire Department (which services many Katy ISD zoned neighborhoods in the north quadrant of the District.) The fire was successfully extinguished.
Dry Condition Worsens Every Day
“The situation is bad, and worsening every day,” says Fire Chief Billy Wilson, Willowfork Fire Department, Fort Bend County ESD #2. “There is a burn ban in effect for Fort Bend and surrounding counties which is being enforced by area fire departments and the County Fire Marshal's office.”
Just like in yesterday’s fire, local fire departments have been teaming up to provide extra firefighting equipment and manpower.
“People should refrain from any type of outdoor burning and immediately report any fires they come across,” says Chief Wilson. “Wildfires are spreading very rapidly across the entire area and are very hard to control.”
According to the State of Texas, burn bans limit outdoor burning such as campfires, bonfires, fire pits, and cooking fires. Household trash burning isn’t allowed unless a resident doesn’t have trash pickup.
170 Texas counties are currently under burn ban notices as this drought continues.
Residents should follow county rules and notify authorities of any fire immediately.