City imposes burn ban on parks

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department is temporarily prohibiting the building of fires and smoking in all city parks, greenbelts and preserves due to the dangerous fire hazard conditions that currently exist in the Central Texas area. This includes the use of wood or charcoal BBQ pits/grills/smokers. Propane stoves are allowed in designated picnic areas only. PARD is working with park police and park rangers in the enforcement of the fire-building and smoking ban in order to provide for the public’s safety. Violations of this burn ban may result in a fine between $300 and $500. PARD will evaluate conditions to determine when to lift the ban.