December 6, 2011

Temporary Grilling and Smoking Ban Lifted
Except for 12 City of Houston Parks

The temporary ban on barbecuing, grilling and smoking put in place for all City of Houston (COH) parks last September has been lifted for all but 12 COH parks. Mayor Annise Parker, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Houston Fire Department (HFD) indicated that since the summer, the COH has been working to remove fire fuel sources in city parks. As a result of this work and the increased rainfall, the fire risk has declined.

However, there is still concern about 12 heavily forested COH parks where the dead tree removal has not been completed. Therefore, the temporary ban on grilling and smoking continues in the following 12 parks. Signs will remain in place to advise the public.

COH Parks With Temporary Grilling and Smoking Ban

The COH thanks the public for its support over the last few months. Over 5,000 hazardous trees have been removed. It is estimated there are still another 10,000 trees to be removed. The work is projected to be completed in late January or mid-February 2012, barring any unforeseen weather conditions.

Even though the temporary ban on grilling and smoking is being lifted in most COH parks, citizens are advised to continue to practice the following HFD Fire Safety Tips:

Barbecue Safety

• Portable barbecue pits, charcoal grills and other open-flame cooking devices outside of a building should not be operated on combustible balconies or located within 10 feet of combustible walls or roofs or other combustible materials
• When igniting the barbecue charcoal, use a charcoal lighter, not gasoline. Gasoline can flash violently in and around the pit causing serious injuries to anyone in the area of the flash. A fire extinguisher or charged garden hose should be handy while the fire is burning. Check the pit frequently to ensure that it is okay
• Hot ash and coals from barbecue pits and charcoal burners should be placed in a non-combustible container until cooled or thoroughly saturated with water, before being disposed

Vehicles, Trailers and Tools

• Park vehicles so that the exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves, or weeds
• Adjust the safety chains on trailers to ensure they don't drag and create sparks that can cause roadside starts
• Keep lawn mowers and agricultural equipment in proper working condition and avoid rocks and other materials which might cause a spark.
• Do not weld or cut without a spotter, a water source and a shovel
• Notify the electric power company when dead trees or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires. The wires may touch each other or the ground, causing sparks that start fires

Cigarettes or Other Smoking Materials

• Another cause of accidental fires is carelessly discarded cigarettes or other smoking materials. They can smolder for hours and should be completely doused with water before being discarded in a safe manner, rather than tossed out a window or on the ground.
• Texas' arson law includes felony punishment for anyone whose cigarette recklessly sets fire to a building or injures anyone. Arson is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but if a person is hurt or killed or if the fire involves a church, arson is a first-degree felony, carrying possible punishment of up to life in prison.

Per the COH's fire code, illegal open burning (without a permit) includes: bonfires, rubbish fires, campfires, trench fires, or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in an approved incinerator, such as an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit.

For more information visit https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/index.html, email askparks@houstontx.gov or call 3-1-1 (713.837.0311).