Updated Feb. 14 at 1:41 p.m.

Williamson County Judge Dan Gattis lifted the county-wide burn ban for unincorporated areas of Williamson County on Tuesday.

The county reminded citizens to exercise caution when burning outdoors.

Outdoor burning must be conducted under state regulations found in Texas Administrative Code Section 30 TAC 111.219.

Prior to conducting controlled burns, please take the following steps:

1.       Contact your local fire department

2.       Contact Williamson County Communications. Call and report your controlled burn to Williamson County Emergency Communications at 512-864-8282.

As of 1:41 p.m., 76 other counties in Texas had burn bans in effect.

Countywide burn ban tops WilCo Commissioners Court meeting
Officials also hear presentation on Local Provider Participation Fund


Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to implement a 30-day burn ban at its Jan. 31 meeting.

County Judge Dan Gattis said the ban could be lifted before 30 days if conditions improve.

Concerns over dry vegetation, low humidity and high soil moisture content were presented by the emergency management department.

As of 10:56 a.m. on Jan. 31, 60 other counties in Texas had burn bans in effect.

Local Provider Participation Fund
Commissioners heard a presentation concerning the Local Provider Participation Fund, which is made up of fees paid by local hospitals and can be applied to funding for eligible health care projects, including uninsured and underinsured patients.

The Legislature originally passed this legislation in 2013, which granted certain counties in South Texas the option for this fund.

County commissioners are authorized to administer the fund after legislation is passed for the specific county.

An official from the Seton Medical Center in Williamson County said the next step would be to reach out to local legislators concerning the fund.

Although no action was taken Tuesday, the commissioners agreed they want all of the Williamson County hospitals to unanimously agree on the fund.