Washington County issues 14-day burn ban as severe drought raises fire danger
Tim Hudson | The Wiley Post
Sept 9, 2026
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved an immediate 14-day countywide burn ban Sept 8, 2026, as severe drought and persistent heat increase wildfire risk.
"I'm kind of surprised that it took that long to get the drought index to get us into that category," Washington County Emergency Management Director Kary Cox said. "Last week, the drought expanded to where we were in the 'severe drought' category."
Cox and county officials have been closely monitoring increasingly dry conditions during the hot summer.
The ban, approved under Resolution No. 26-83, took effect immediately Tuesday. The resolution says "extreme fire danger exists in Washington County" and notes that a majority of the county's municipal and rural fire chiefs concurred with the determination.
Under the ban, residents cannot burn grass, crops or other wildlands, build campfires or bonfires, or burn trash, debris or other materials that could cause a wildfire.
Exceptions apply if you take appropriate precautions.
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Grilling and outdoor cooking are permitted only on a hard, fireproof surface measuring at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Welding, grinding and gas torch work require a dedicated fire watch and pressurized water available to extinguish a potential fire.
Violating the ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail, or both.
Cox said the timing of the drought makes the situation particularly concerning because one heavy rain likely won't be enough to reverse the dry conditions.
"The only thing I could add is that being this late in the season, it's going to take more than just one big rain to get us out of this," Cox said. "The vegetation is not only dry and dying, it's forcing a lot of the vegetation into dormancy, and it won't green up 'til spring."
Late-season drought puts vegetation at risk
Cox said the drought's effects extend beyond the immediate threat of wildfire.
"Late-season droughts are very serious," Cox said. "Not only is it a fire danger, but it is a danger to the vegetation itself when it is dried out and forced into dormancy. If you look around, you can see the stress on the trees and the shrubs— we may see some of that die during this extended drought."
Commissioners are expected to revisit the burn ban at their Sept. 21 meeting.
The resolution also allows commissioners to lift the ban before the 14-day period expires if conditions improve. If extreme fire danger persists, the county can approve subsequent resolutions continuing the restrictions.
For now, Cox cautioned that Washington County could be facing an extended period of restrictions if the dry weather continues.
"The main thing would be that we've got the potential to be in a long-term burn ban," Cox said. "I hope it proves me wrong, but it's not looking good."
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Read the resolution
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the following resolution Tuesday establishing a 14 day countywide burn ban.