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Bastrop County officials have issued an emergency burn ban for unincorporated areas, citing dry conditions that increase the risk of dangerous wildfires.
The order was filed Thursday, Jan. 16, by County Judge Gregory Klaus following a disaster declaration. It prohibits most forms of outdoor burning through Friday, Jan. 23, making it illegal to ignite or cause the ignition of vegetative outdoor materials.
“The purpose of this order is the mitigation of the public safety hazard posed by wildfires during the current dry weather conditions by curtailing the practice of outdoor burning,” the order states.
County officials said arid conditions pose a threat of large, fast-moving wildfires, and the order will remain in effect despite any rain.
Bastrop County ranks 28th statewide on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, placing it among the counties at highest risk for wildfire potential.
The county had previously been under a burn ban for 97 days before officials allowed it to expire Dec. 23.
Violations of the order may result in a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Exceptions include welding, cutting and grinding operations, though those activities are prohibited on days designated as Red Flag Warning days by the National Weather Service.
Officials said a special session of the Bastrop County Commissioners Court is expected to be scheduled next week to consider extending the order.
