An emergency burn ban declaration has been authorized by county judges in Austin, Colorado and Fayette counties in response to the intense heat and lack of rain.
This ban is effective immediately.
1. Outdoor burning banned. Unless an exception appears below, the use of combustible materials in an outdoor en - vironment by any person is prohibited. Combustible materials include, but are not limited to the use of all fireworks, burning of trash, brush and open camp - fires and materials used outdoors in ac - tivities that could result in a fire.
2 Outdoor cigarette/cigar smoking is banned unless each cigarette/cigar and ashes are deposited into an appropriate receptacle known to extinguish combus - tion and customarily used for such pur pose.
3. Exceptions. The following outdoor activities shall be allowed provided they are attended at all times and all follow - ing precautionary rules and measures are strictly followed:
Household Trash. Burning of household trash in a receptacle that is enclosed and covered with a mesh material with no more than 1/4 inch openings and supervised in a safe area clear of debris.
Barbecues using above-ground grills, with enclosed fireboxes, in a safe area clear of debris or other combustible materials and attended at all times.
Controlled burns necessary for planting and harvesting agricultural crops with a defensible space around the burn area, presence of fire suppression tools, and personal presence during the entire controlled burn.
Authorized by TCEQ.
This order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for:
(1) firefighting training;
(2) public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations;
(3) planting or harvesting of agriculture crops; or
(4) burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resource Code, and meet the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resource Code.
• Attwater Prairie Chicken Refuge maintenance activities.
Non-Profit & Religious Organizations shall be allowed to prepare barbecue provided they contact their local fire department in advance for a site visit by a member of the department and follow all precautionary measures directed by such department. Other ways to keep fire at bay are:
Electricity-energized fences should be kept clear of all grass.
Lubricate farm equipment frequently to reduce the possibility of producing sparks.
Be careful when towing. Loose chains can cause sparks when dragged on the roadway. Be aware of flat tires as rims can also cause sparks.
Motorists are advised not to drive in or park in tall, dry grass. Cata - lytic converters can be a source of igni tion.
