During its July 2 meeting, Travis County Commissioners Court banned outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county.

The county measures drought conditions using the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, in which zero represents saturation and 800 represents a complete lack of moisture.

County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee said the county's average drought rating was 512 with some areas reaching as high as 632.

Lee said residents can still barbecue outside during the July 4 holiday as long as the grill or cooking apparatus is completely enclosed. He asked residents to be careful disposing of solid fuels such as coals or charcoal briquettes.

In a news release distributed after the court's vote, Lee wrote, "I urge county residents to exercise extreme caution while celebrating Independence Day."

"A burn ban does not affect the use of fireworks in the county, but I recommend that residents attend professionally-run fireworks displays instead of personally using fireworks, which can easily start fires."

The ban expires July 31.

For more information, visit the county fire marshal's Web site.