Sep 9

Written by:
9/9/2011 2:07 PM 

County Judge Dan A. Gattis has terminated the Declaration of Disaster for Williamson County on September 9, 2011.  In doing so, the Burn Ban Order, which was adopted on July 19, 2011, by the Commissioners Court, will go back into effect.
The Burn Ban Order prohibits:
1. The burning of any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks; and
2. All activity outdoors which could allow flames or sparks that could result in a fire unless done in an enclosure designed to protect the spread of fire. 
A copy of the order can be found here.  As Red Flag Warning conditions are not being forecasted by the National Weather Services, the Disaster Declaration is being terminated; however, due to the extreme drought conditions, Williamson County officials needs all citizens to avoid any type of activity that may cause a fire.  
The prohibitions under the Disaster Declaration and the prohibitions under the Burn Ban Order are different.  The Burn Ban Order is not a complete ban on burning.  The Burn Ban Order allows for the burning of a combustible material provided that it is done in an enclosure which contains all flames and/or sparks (i.e. outdoor cooking that is done in a fully contained grill or cooking equipment that is totally contained with all sides and a top).  The Disaster Declaration was a complete ban on outdoor burning of any kind, except for welding, grinding and other hot works operations performed under a very strict set of conditions.
In accordance with Section 352.081 of the Local Government Code, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this order commits a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.
The Burn Order will be discussed and considered at Commissioners Court on Tuesday, September 13, 2011.