Burn Ban Back in Effect for Travis County

With the Fourth of July just nine days away, residents of Travis County can rest assured that fireworks will still be part of their holiday celebrations. But Travis County Commissioners are urging people to use caution.

That's after commissioners voted today to put a burn ban back in effect for unincorporated areas on the advice of fire marshal Hershel Lee. 

While fireworks can still be used and sold for the Fourth of July, they are still banned inside city limits, as is outdoor burning without a permit. 

County Commissioner Sarah Eckhart, however, advised that citizens take caution when playing with fire. 
“We would beg folks to celebrate the Fourth of July with bands, light shows, snow cones, but if you can avoid the use of fireworks in this environment in this circumstance, please do so,” said Eckhart. 

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that extreme heat and low rainfall are creating very dry conditions in the Central Texas region. 

The Texas Forest Service has an online map of counties with burn bans in place.