Travis County commissioners voted Aug. 6 to issue a burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county due to hot and dry weather conditions. The ban will expire Sept. 11 unless further action is taken by the Commissioners Court or county fire marshal. “Because conditions have continued to worsen over the last week, there is an increase[d] risk in fire potential,” Chief Fire Marshal Tony Callway said in an Aug. 6 news release. “With moisture levels steadily dropping and not forecasted to rebound in the near future, this burn ban is necessary to ensure public safety.” Neighboring Williamson County announced a burn ban the same day. Campfires are not permitted in Travis County parks when a burn ban is in effect. However, barbecuing is allowed, so long as the fire is within a closable container or a container with a lid, such as a grill. The county recommends that people who are barbecuing keep water nearby in case of a fire.