Travis County issues first burn ban of 2015
The Travis County Commissioners Court has voted to ban outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the County. The burn ban is scheduled to expire on August 26 unless action is taken before then.
Commissioners are next scheduled to consider and take action on outdoor burning on August 4.
Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee says the spring rains led to lots of green growth which are now drying in the hot weather.
“Fire spreads rapidly through dry vegetation. Remember to not throw cigarettes out vehicle windows, and make sure machinery and vehicles are properly maintained to avoid creating sparks that cause fire,” Lee says.
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 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.
The last burn ban in the County ended in September 2014.
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.