Travis County’s burn ban has expired

As of today, the burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County have been lifted, the county’s Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell announced Tuesday. Outdoor burning is now allowed, and residents should contact their local fire department before beginning and follow the state regulations summarized here. You can call the Fire Marshal’s Office at 512-854-4621 to find out which fire department to notify. Naturally, the department advises always being careful and aware of fire danger when conducting outdoor burning, including having water nearby in case of a fire – and, of course, calling 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control. “Fire risks have decreased for now, thanks to recent rain, so the burn ban can expire as scheduled,” Howell said. “While outdoor burning will be allowed in the unincorporated areas beginning Wednesday, December 11, I urge the public to be extremely cautious. Travis County will monitor the conditions closely as we head toward the holidays and let the public know if the burn ban will be needed again.”