A potential fine awaits county residents who violate the burn ban. Here’s what to know.
SAN ANTONIO — For the first time since spring, Bexar County leaders have instituted a 90-day burn ban – effective immediately – as the region continues dealing with “extremely dry conditions with heavy fuel sources on the ground that may facilitate wildfires.”
The ban, which was recommended by Bexar County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez, comes a week after officials said a legal “residential burn” got out of control and ended up scorching 262 acres. Aside from a barn on the originating property, no buildings or lives were lost in what was dubbed the Silver Mountain Fire, but 30 households were forced to evacuate as agencies responded.
The fire was under control by the afternoon of Aug. 6. But Lopez promised at the scene that he would push for a new burn ban, saying the current drought conditions make for “a very unsafe environment all the way around.”
“You can create piles and then, when we get the rain, then we’ll lift the burn ban and maybe you can burn safety,” Lopez said last week. “But until then, take this as a warning: It is too dry for you to be burning in the county.”
The newly adopted burn ban was approved by Commissioners Court and will last until at least midnight on Nov. 10, although the court can decide to extend it.
Those found to be burning between now and then can be slapped with a misdemeanor and fine of up to $500. Normally, those who live in unincorporated areas of Bexar County are allowed to burn trash and brush outside, so long as they meet certain conditions.
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, released last Thursday, shows most of Bexar County still in Extreme Drought—the state’s second-most-severe drought classification. While conditions have improved over the course of the summer, the county hasn’t been completely out of Extreme Drought since early October 2024.