***UPDATE***
Austin County Judge Tim Lapham announced during Commissioners Court held on Monday, November 12, 2024 that the county’s burn ban will remain in effect for at least another two weeks. Despite recent rainfall, local conditions remain too dry to lift the restriction.
Judge Lapham made the decision after consulting with local fire chiefs, who recommended that the ban stay in place to prevent potential fire hazards. According to Lapham, while recent rains have brought some relief, they haven’t been sufficient to promote new, green growth in vegetation, leaving the county still vulnerable to wildfires. Extending the burn ban is a proactive measure to protect the community until conditions improve. Residents are encouraged to follow the burn ban guidelines and remain vigilant until officials deem it safe to lift the restriction. The county will continue to monitor weather conditions and will update the public as soon as the ban can be safely lifted.
***Original Article from September 23, 2024 below***
As of September 23, 2024, Austin County has issued a new burn ban to combat the increasing risk of wildfires brought on by severe drought conditions. The burn ban, signed by County Judge Tim Lapham, restricts outdoor burning throughout the unincorporated areas of Austin County to ensure public safety.
According to the official order, all forms of outdoor burning, including the burning of trash, brush, and campfires, are prohibited. This ban also covers activities that use combustible materials outdoors, such as welding, unless certain safety measures are in place.
Outdoor welding is permitted under strict conditions, which include prohibiting welding activities when wind speeds exceed 15 miles per hour. Welders must also notify the Austin County Sheriff’s Department prior to any welding work. Additionally, the area surrounding the activity must be cleared of any easily combustible materials within a 50-foot radius, and a spotter equipped with a pressurized water delivery system must be on hand.
Cooking on above-ground grills is still allowed, provided they are used in a safe, debris-free area.
The ban does not affect specific activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, such as firefighting training or agricultural burns, as long as they meet the required safety standards. Violating the burn ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
This order aims to mitigate the risk of wildfires in Austin County and will remain in effect until weather conditions improve or further action is taken by the Texas Forest Service or the County Judge.
