Bastrop County Judge declares local disaster, prohibits outdoor burning

Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape has declared a local disaster in the county due to the threat of large wildfires in Bastrop County.

Pape also has issued an order prohibiting outdoor burning in the county which goes into effect at 4 p.m. Thursday and will remain in effect until rescinded or until 12 p.m. on Nov. 5.

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Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape has declared a local disaster in the county due to the threat of large wildfires in Bastrop County.

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Under the order, anyone who "ignites, or causes ignition of any combustible or vegetative material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning or ignition by others" will be issued a citation for violation of a burn ban order, which is a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. 

RELATED: Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape encourages everyone to wear a mask

The order does not prohibit welding, prescribed burns, food preparation in above-ground grills, air curtain incinerators, or other activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 

The local disaster declaration in the county will continue for seven days or unless rescinded.

RELATED: 

READ THE FULL DISASTER DECLARATION

READ THE FULL BURN BAN ORDER

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