Travis County Enacts Burn Ban, Urges Firework Caution

A burn ban is now in effect across all Austin parks, greenbelts, and preserves after city officials cited dangerous wildfire conditions. The restriction will remain until the threat subsides.

As Austin prepares for the fireworks and fiestas of the new year, the Travis County Fire Marshal has enacted a burn ban for unincorporated areas of the county.

A burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning in Travis County, including brush fires, bonfires, trash burning, and campfires outside designated areas. The ban, put in place Tuesday, was enacted due to cold and dry conditions and will run through Jan. 6 unless lifted early by fire marshal or county judge, according to the Marshal’s office. The office also encouraged county residents to “make fire-wise choices by not shooting off their own fireworks at home” for the new year.

“New Year’s Eve should be a time for celebration, not emergencies,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell. “Attending a professional fireworks display or choosing non-firework alternatives like glow sticks and confetti is the safest way to celebrate the new year. Making smart choices on New Year’s Eve helps protect families, neighbors, and first responders across Travis County.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office highlighted a report by the National Fire Protection Association, showing that fireworks caused more than 32,000 fires in 2023. The county is generally urging caution when it comes to fireworks, with a county spokesperson pointing to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report showing 11 fireworks-related deaths nationwide in 2024, about 14,700 injury-related ER visits — including roughly 1,700 involving sparklers — with burns the most common injury.

County officials are encouraging residents to see a professional firework of drone show in leu of their own explosives. They also advise on using things like glow sticks, confetti poppers, bubbles, or noisemakers instead of sparklers or other handheld fireworks.

Tips for firework safety

The Fire Marshal’s Office said that residents who still choose to light legal fireworks in legal areas should follow these tips:

• Confirm fireworks are permitted; they are banned within city limits and in Travis County parks.
• Use fireworks outdoors on a flat surface, away from buildings, vehicles and dry brush.
• Never allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers.
• Do not relight malfunctioning fireworks; soak them in water before discarding.
• Avoid fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Keep water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Be considerate of pets, veterans and neighbors sensitive to loud noises.

“Especially with conditions that warranted this burn ban, even a small spark can get out of control quickly,” the office said in a statement.

A burn ban for cold, dry conditions

According to the Fire Marshal’s Office, the ban is a preventative measure due to fluctuating weather that that has bounced between near-freezing and record-breaking December heat. Those freezing and drying trends lead to a loss of moisture in grass — something called 'freeze-cured grass' — which makes it more flammable.

“This burn ban is a proactive step to reduce the risk of wildfires as vegetation remains dangerously dry,” said Travis County Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell. “Freeze-cured grasses can ignite easily and allow fires to spread rapidly even when other conditions may appear safe. Acting now helps safeguard residents, property, and first responders.”

The burn 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.

Anyone looking to receive burn ban status updates can text TCBURNBAN to 888777.