Austin County issued a burn ban at this weeks commissioners court meeting.  As of right now the U.S. Drought Monitor has Austin County between a D1 (Moderate Drought) for the upper part of the county to D3 (Extreme Drought) for the lower parts of the county.

 

The institution of a burn ban places the following restrictions on county residences:

  1. The use of combustible materials in an outdoor environment by any person is prohibited.  Combustible materials include, but are not limited to burning of trash, brush and open campfires
    and materials used outdoors in activities such as welding and any other activity that could result in a fire,
  2. Outdoor welding shall be allowed under the following circumstances:
    1. Welding, cutting and grinding associated with welding activities shall not take place when
      the wind is over 15 miles per hour;
    2. The welder must notify the Austin County Sheriffs Department before any welding,
      cutting or grinding begins;
    3. All grass, leaves, brush and other easily combustible materials must be cleared within a
      fifty (50) foot radius surrounding the area where the activity is to take place before any
      welding, cutting or grinding begins; and,
    4. A spotter with water and a ready pressurized delivery system must be on hand before any
      welding, cutting or grinding begins and remain on hand until the activity is completed.
  3. Outdoor use of above ground cooking grills will be allowed in a safe area
    clear of debris.

At this time it is extremely important for everyone to be very careful with anything fire related.

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