Two-minute impact
Over the past two weeks, the county has seen elevated fire weather conditions, according to county documents.
In a March 20 county burn ban evaluation matrix, Williamson County Chief Fire Marshal Mike Lugo recommended for commissioners to issue a burn ban until the area receives an adequate amount of rain and humidity levels increase.
The ban will not exceed 90 days—or go past June 23—and the Commissioners Court or the county judge, if appointed, has the authority to lift the order if conditions improve, according to county documents.
How we got here
The U.S. Drought Monitor classified 90.86% of the county as being in “severe drought” conditions. Additionally, minimal rain is expected in the forecast.
“We do have some rain scheduled, I think the next coming week,” Lugo said at the meeting. “I don't know how much, I don't even know if it'll make a dent.”
Lugo said fire departments throughout the county have been “doing an outstanding job controlling the wildfires that do start.”
Some context
Williamson County’s last burn ban was in effect from March 4-6. Travis County is under a burn ban through April 8, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
