Current situation
Burns will be conducted over a few days at Cedar Breaks Park and Tejas Park, according to a news release. Officials started controlled burns Dec. 2, but the timing of burns depends on the area’s humidity, wind speed and wind direction.
During regulated burns, Cedar Breaks Park, Tejas Park and parts of Goodwater Trail will be closed, and residents should expect to see smoke from miles away, according to the release.
How we got here
The controlled burns target the growth of ashe juniper trees, as lowering the tree’s population helps reduce the intensity of possible wildland fires, according to the release. Controlled burns are also conducted to encourage the growth of native grasses and other plants.
Lake Georgetown last experienced a large wildland fire in July 2023, according to the release. In July 2022, the San Gabriel Fire burned 450 acres near Leander, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
In addition to the Georgetown Fire Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, other Williamson County fire departments and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide fire crews to help regulate burns around the lake.
The agencies partnered in December 2023 to organize cutting fire breaks, or lines in the ground that prevent fire spreading, within the parks, according to the release.
