Fire Marshal logoTravis County Issues New Burn Ban

by Lisa Block, Travis County Emergency Services Public Information Officer

The Travis County Commissioners Court issued a new ban on outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the County. The previous burn ban was set to expire Aug. 26.

“While parts of the County have received rain, other areas have not,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee. “Fires easily start and spread in dry vegetation. Until we see widespread rain throughout the County, a burn ban will help reduce the risk of wildfire.”

The burn ban is scheduled to expire on Sept. 23, unless action is taken by the County Judge, Commissioners Court or Fire Marshal. Next Tuesday, Sept. 1, 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.

Follow this link to see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding burn bans:  https://www.traviscountytx.gov/fire-marshal/faq

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