Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a countywide burn ban Aug. 6.

The ban is not to exceed 90 days. The approval also authorizes County Judge Bill Gravell to lift the ban when conditions improve.

Williamson County has not seen significant rainfall in multiple weeks and as a result is experiencing the onset of drought conditions, county officials said.

In addition to the drought conditions, high heat, expected high pressure, low fuel moistures and wind create dangerous wildfire conditions, officials said.

A person violates this order if he or she burns any combustible material outside of an enclosure that serves to contain all flames and/or sparks or orders such burning by others, county officials said. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery or other natural vegetation, they said.

This order may be enforced by any duly commissioned peace officer. It is a Class C misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $500.