Williamson County Issues Burn Ban Amid Scorching Heat

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — A burn ban is in effect throughout Williamson County amid scorching, triple-digit heat, officials said.

The ban has been in effect since Friday, when Williamson County Judge Dan A. Gattis issued a so-called "Disaster Declaration and Order" prohibiting the burning of any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks or the engaging in activity outdoors which could allow flames or sparks that could result in a fire.

The ban comes two weeks to the day that Gattis lifted the burn ban following some rainfall, only to reinstate it on July 23.

Visit www.wilco.org to review the specific prohibitions and exceptions of the Disaster Declaration and Order. The outdoor burning prohibition will be in effect for a period of seven days unless an extension is approved by the Williamson County Commissioners Court, according to a press advisory.

Related stories:

Pflugerville Firefighters Battle Fire In Field Off Texas 45

Williamson County Lifts Burn Ban In Round Rock, Elsewhere

The commissioners court will consider extending an outdoor burn ban at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, July 24, officials said in the advisory. County officials attributed the ban to heat and weather factors that are contributing to dangerous fire conditions, which can quickly lead to the spread of a large, damaging fire.

Except as otherwise stated in the Disaster Declaration and Order, a person violates the burn ban upon burning any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others, officials explained. The Disaster Declaration and Order prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. Among other burning prohibitions, it also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

A violation of the Disaster Declaration and Order is punishable as a Class C misdemeanor by a fine not to exceed $500 or as authorized by Section 418.173 of the Texas Government Code and adopted in Williamson County’s Emergency Management Plan by a fine that does not exceed $1,000.00 and confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days, whichever is greater, officials said.

Get Patch's Daily Newsletters and Real Time Alerts

>>> Image via Shutterstock