Rio Hondo authorities said an illegal trash fire that happened on Jan. 3, 2026, was the seventh one they’ve responded to in the last month.

The Rio Hondo Police Department said all the calls stemmed from people burning trash in their backyard without a permit. 

Rio Hondo Police Chief Julian Longoria said the recent windy conditions are worsening the issue.

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“When the wind is blowing, not only does it feed that fire, but any embers that go up in the air could scatter, and the weather is dry,” Longoria said. “You never know where the wind is going to blow sometimes."

Those who damage someone’s property while illegally burning trash will face legal consequences. More information on outdoor burning is available on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality website.