Burn ban reaches 70-day mark

Officials last week cited heightened wildfire risk and safety concerns after extending the emergency burn ban order for unincorporated parts of Bastrop County, which remains one of the most fire-prone areas in the state.

The order, first enacted Sept. 17 and extended Nov. 24 by County Judge Gregory Klaus, determined local circumstances present a public safety hazard that would be “exacerbated by certain outdoor burning.” The ban makes it illegal to ignite or cause ignition of combustible or vegetative materials outdoors through midnight Monday, Dec. 8.

“The magnitude of the potential damage and the rapidity at which such a fire could escalate to major portions constitute an immediate threat of disaster,” court documents read.