Williamson County Officials Implement Burn Ban In Light Of Extreme Summer Heat

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Members of the county commissioners court on Tuesday approved a burn ban in light of the extreme summer heat enveloping Central Texas, officials said.

The countywide burn ban will be in effect for a period not to exceed 90 days, with County Judge Dan A. Gattis authorized to lift the ban once conditions improve, officials said.

In violating the burn ban, a person would have burned 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 burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

The order can be enforced by any duly-commissioned peace officer, and violators will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500, county officials said.

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