WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Many counties have issued county-wide burn bans as dry conditions continue to affect the region.
The Travis County Commissioners Court voted to instate a ban for unincorporated areas of the county starting Dec. 15. That ban was set to expire on Jan. 13, but was expired early on Jan. 7 by the commissioners court.
“Although conditions in the unincorporated areas of Travis County have improved, the community is urged to use extreme caution and obey all laws when burning outdoors,” said Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Tony Callaway. “Keep a means of extinguishing the fire nearby at all times, and never leave a fire unattended. Call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire gets out of control.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to be cautious with outdoor grilling and barbecuing and to keep a means of extinguishing the fire nearby at all times and never leave a fire unattended.
On July 21, Hays County Emergency Management said the county had implemented a burn ban effective immediately.
"No outdoor burning is allowed until the burn ban is lifted," the county said.
Caldwell and Bastrop counties also issued similar bans. The ban in Bastrop County was in effect until 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved an order prohibiting outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the county on Dec. 15, continuing for a period not to exceed 90 days. That ban was lifted effective at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30.
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Dry conditions have prompted local officials to issue water restrictions in Georgetown, as well as for customers of Coupland-based Manville Water Supply Corporation.
In July, Georgetown said the city’s water utility reached 85% of water treatment capacity.
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