Travis and Williamson county leaders initiated a burn ban for unincorporated areas July 18 as high temperatures and dry conditions have led to an increased risk of wildfires. Hays, Guadalupe and Comal counties have also issued outdoor burning bans this month.
The conditions
Burn bans are initiated to reduce the number of unintended fires caused by pile burning and debris burning, said Glen Gillman, wildfire mitigation officer for Travis County.
During a burn ban, residents are prohibited from burning any combustible material outside of an enclosure that would protect flames from spreading, such as a firepit. Residents are also prohibited from smoking in county parks, preserves and trails.
The Williamson County ban also prohibits burning household yard waste, such as leaves, brush and grass.
Bonfires and outdoor cooking are permitted as long as it's done in an enclosed device, such as a barbecue pit, Gillman said.
Violating the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor that may result in a fine of up to $500 in Williamson, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays counties.
The why
The slew of Central Texas burn bans comes amid severe drought conditions, low humidity levels, daytime temperatures above 100 degrees and high winds in the county, Williamson County Fire Marshal Hank Jones said.
Jones said the risk of wildfires has escalated quickly within the past week as the county’s average drought index rose from 556 on July 10 to 634 on July 18. Burn bans are generally issued when drought index levels reach 600 or greater, Jones said.
“In general, we have seen a spike in outdoor fires along highways and thoroughfares that are susceptible to heavy traffic,” Jones said. “Examples are chain sparks, discarded smoking materials and vehicles parked off the right of way.”
Travis County’s burn ban will end Aug. 16, and Williamson County’s burn ban will end Oct. 16; however, county judges may lift the bans earlier if conditions improve.
What the experts say
“More than half of Travis County is experiencing moderate drought while the rest of the county is in the extreme drought category,” Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Calloway said in a statement. “I strongly recommend against any reckless activity that could spark a fire like using fireworks.”
“Avoid outdoor burning or discarding smoking materials,” Jones said. “Work with neighbors on creating defensible spaces around your home and property, such as cleaning out gutters, cleaning up downed limbs and debris that may have accumulated around your yard out to 30 to 100 feet.”
Dig deeper
Burn ban conditions differ slightly by county. Visit the links below to view details on each county’s burn ban.
