Burn Ban Reinstated For Travis County

AUSTIN, TX — The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday voted to reinstate the burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county.

The burn ban expires on Sept. 20 unless further action is taken by the court or County Fire Marshal prior to that date, officials said. The last burn ban was lifted on August 8.

“Our drought index is quickly climbing back to where we were before receiving the most recent rainfall,” said Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Tony Callaway. “Experts are predicting steady winds coupled with low humidity levels later this week during the afternoon to evening hours, which creates conditions conducive for grass fires to occur.”

This ban on outdoor burning does not affect prescribed burns conducted under the supervision of a prescription burn manager. It also does not affect outdoor welding, cutting or grinding operations and outdoor hot works operations conducted in accordance with the guidelines established by the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office, officials said.

Barbecuing in Travis County parks and parks managed by the County is allowed as long as the fire is within a closable container or a container with a lid, according to officials, who also suggested having water nearby in case of a fire. If a fire gets out of control, residents are urged to call 911.

If you have questions about the burn ban, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (512) 854-4621.

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