County issues new burn ban

Last month, in the face of continued dry weather and declining humidity levels, the Travis County Commissioners Court issued a burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county. That ban expires today, so yesterday the Commissioners Court voted to issue a new prohibition on burning, this one effective through Jan. 13. As Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Tony Callaway explained, “We received some rain, but it wasn’t enough to improve our drought conditions. Unfortunately, we don’t expect there to be relief anytime soon. Therefore, in order to ensure public safety, it’s necessary to issue a new burn ban for the unincorporated areas before the current ban expires.” According to the announcement, the new ban on outdoor burning “does not affect prescribed burns conducted under the supervision of a prescription burn manager. It also does not affect outdoor welding, cutting or grinding operations, and outdoor hot works operations conducted in accordance with the guidelines established by the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office.” Those who are  grilling or barbecuing outdoors are urged to use caution and have a source of water nearby in case of fire.