Travis County Enacts Burn Ban Through Oct. 21

Travis County commissioners approved a burn ban for unincorporated areas through Oct. 21 on the recommendation of Fire Marshal Gary Howell. The order exempts supervised prescribed burns and certain hot-work operations that follow county safety rules.

Travis County has issued a burn ban for all unincorporated areas until Oct. 21.

Commissioners Court voted on Tuesday to put the ban in place at the recommendation of county Fire Marshal Gary Howell. Howell told commissioners the ban can be lifted early if enough rainfall arrives, but said conditions now warrant immediate action.

A burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning in Travis County, including brush fires, bonfires, trash burning, and campfires outside designated areas.

The ban still allows certain activities. Controlled burns overseen by a licensed burn manager are permitted, and outdoor welding, metal-cutting, grinding and similar hot-work can continue if they follow the safety rules set by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

To stay updated, residents can sign up for text alerts by sending TCBURNBAN to 888777. Questions about the restrictions can be directed to the Fire Marshal’s Office at 512-854-4621.

Residents will also receive alerts about the ban through Warn Central Texas, the regional emergency notification system. Howell encouraged people to create or update an account at WarnCentralTexas.org and opt in for burn-ban notices, adding that information will also be posted on the county’s website.