BELTON, Texas (KWTX) - Bell County Judge David Blackburn has issued an emergency order prohibiting all outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the county, effective Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The order, signed on Monday, August 10, comes in response to an extended period of hot, dry weather and high winds that county officials warn will lead to an increased threat of grass fires.

Triple-digit temperatures between 99 and 102 degrees, combined with humidity levels dropping below 25% and southerly winds reaching 15 to 25 mph, create a significant public safety hazard.

Additionally, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) has climbed above 500.