BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Brazoria County has issued a countywide burn ban due "to persistent hot, dry conditions and the increasing threat of wildfires," according to a press release.

County officials said the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a key indicator used to measure drought conditions, has reached a countywide average of 576 and it is expected to continue rising.

"Effective immediately, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including open fires, debris burning, and controlled burns," the county shared.