Parks department enacts burn ban

Soaring temperatures and a lack of rainfall in Central Texas produces the prime conditions for wildfires. In an effort to minimize the risk and keep Austin from going up in flames, the Parks and Recreation Department has enacted a restriction on burning, “effective immediately and until further notice.” The burn ban “prohibits the building of fires and grilling in all city of Austin parks, greenbelts and preserves … this includes the use of wood or charcoal BBQ pits/grills/smokers. Propane stoves are allowed in designated picnic areas only.” The burn ban will be enforced by APD’s Park Police and PARD’s Park Rangers. Those who violate the ban may find themselves paying a fine of $300-$500. “The department will continue to evaluate fire conditions and will lift the ban as soon as it is safe to do so.”