Multiple brush fires this summer spark 'Disaster Declaration' for Llano County

You may want to think twice about firing up the grill in Llano County. This week, the county judge issued a disaster declaration in an effort to try to prevent more fires from sparking. They are calling this an enhanced burn ban which includes stricter rules for outdoor cooking.

It's been 7 years since Llano County issued something like this.

Many of these regulations do not apply to businesses.

Those who live in Llano say the heat this summer can be unbearable. "Working outside all day it definitely takes a toll," said Michael Garcia.

The heat isn't just taking a toll on the people but also the land. "We didn't have a wet spring, we've had very little rain this summer and have had some people in the county have less than 8 inches all year at this point," said Mary Cunningham the Llano County Judge.

These condition are prime for fires. According to the Texas A&M forest service: Llano County has dealt with 6 major brush fires this year burning more than 1600 acres, and 43 smaller fires which charred over 450 acres.

It's because of these fires, Cunningham is issuing what she calls an enhanced burn ban which is not to be confused for a normal one. "A normal one just says be careful about what your doing, don't be burning brush and starting fires, things like that," said Cunningham.

One of the biggest changes with this enhanced burn ban is no outdoor grilling if you use charcoal or wood. This does not apply to propane grills or restaurants. Other things people can now *not* do includes outdoor welding, cutting, grinding or agricultural burning, basically anything which can cause a spark or flame and ignite the dry grass and brush.

There are exceptions for businesses, Cunningham said they just want to extinguish any potential problems before they start. According to the office of emergency management for the county, this enhanced burn ban is only temporary and will be up to the commissioners to extended it next week.