County issues burn ban

The Travis County Commissioners approved a request from Fire Marshal Tony Callaway to prohibit outdoor burning in unincorporated areas until Wednesday, Nov. 11. “We have received above-average temperatures which obviously corresponds to a decrease in ground fuel moisture levels,” Callaway said at the Oct. 13 meeting. Combined with particularly gusty winds from the north and lower humidity levels, Callaway said the conditions could spark wildfires. Commissioner Gerald Daugherty motioned to approve the burn ban, which passed unanimously after being seconded by Commissioner Brigid Shea. According to a press release from the Fire Marshal’s Office, the ban will not affect prescribed burns supervised by a burn manager, or grinding, welding, cutting and outdoor hot works. The release urges Travis County residents to be cautious while grilling or barbecuing outdoors.