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Bastrop County reinstated a burn ban last week as drought conditions worsen and extreme heat raises wildfire risk across the region.
The ban took effect Aug. 24, prohibiting outdoor burning of combustible or vegetative materials in all unincorporated areas of the county through Sept. 14, unless conditions improve. The decision comes 133 days after commissioners allowed the previous order to expire in April.
The county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures soil moisture deficiency on a scale of 0 to 800, increased from an average of 448 at the start of August to 642 Aug. 31.
“Over this last week, those numbers have started rising every day,” said Assistant Chief Mark Wobus of Bastrop/Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1. “We’re definitely at that point where any little spark can grow into a significant fire.”
Noting fire calls have become more prevalent, Wobus said rainfall earlier in the summer temporarily eased conditions but left behind dry vegetation now susceptible to ignition, with high temperatures pulling additional moisture from soil and plants.
Exceptions to the ban include welding, cutting and grinding operations, burns authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, food preparation, burning in an air curtain incinerator and outdoor special effects by commercial film studios with local fire department oversight.
“We just ask that they take extra precautions, have a fire extinguisher or even just a simple pump up chemical sprayer that they put water into,” Wobus said.
Violations carry a Class C misdemeanor and a fine of up to $500.
The order will expire Sept. 14 unless commissioners determine conditions no longer pose a public safety hazard.
Officials said the ban could be extended if significant rainfall does not occur.
