Officials have issued a new ban on outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Travis County. It's the second burn ban of the year. The first 2016 burn ban was issued and lifted in February.
“Travis County is under increasingly dry conditions. The most common type of fire we are seeing is fires started on the roadside due to vehicle mechanical malfunctions or poor vehicle maintenance,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Callaway. “Please avoid driving into dry vegetation, and make sure your vehicles are properly maintained to avoid starting a fire.”
The burn ban is scheduled to expire on August 10, unless action is taken by the County Judge, Commissioners Court or Fire Marshal. Next Tuesday, July 19, commissioners are scheduled to again consider and take appropriate action on outdoor burning.
This ban on outdoor burning does not affect a prescribed burn under the supervision of a prescription burn manager. It also does not affect outdoor hot work when done under the guidelines established by the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office. Prescription burn managers and those in need of outdoor hot work permits must contact the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office or the fire department in whose jurisdiction the work will be done.
Barbecuing in Travis County Parks and Parks managed by the County is allowed as long as the fire is within a closeable container or a container with a lid. You should also have water nearby in case the fire spreads. Call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire gets out of control.
If you have questions about the burn ban, please call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 512-854-4621, or contact your local fire department.