Burn ban extended through Sept. 28

BASTROP — Bastrop County commissioners have extended the countywide burn ban through Sept. 28 as dry conditions continue to fuel wildfire threats.

The ban was first enacted Aug. 24 and prohibits most outdoor burning of combustible or vegetative materials in unincorporated areas of the county. The original order was scheduled to expire midnight Sept. 14.

The county’s average Keetch-Byram Drought Index was 660 at the time of the decision, according to Office of Emergency Management Coordinator James Altgelt. The index measures soil moisture deficiency on a scale of 0 to 800.

“Some of the rain that we received the last two weeks was helpful, probably kept us out of the high 600s, low 700s, but not enough,” Altgelt said.

Officials noted little additional relief is expected in the short term with the National Weather Service forecasting low levels of rainfall. “ The recommendation from the fire chiefs and my recommendation is that you extend this to be the first extension of the burn ban,” Altgelt said.

Local firefighters were working the Lonesome Fire at 761 Community Center Road in southern Bastrop County while commission were considering the extension. The blaze charred nearly 5 acres.

Exceptions to the burn ban include certain welding, cutting and grinding operations, burns authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, food preparation, air curtain incinerators and outdoor special effects by commercial film studios conducted with local fire department oversight.

Violations are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

The extended order is scheduled to expire at midnight Sept. 28.