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Travis, Williamson, Hays counties lift burn ban, some still in effect

Mason and Llano counties are currently under burn bans.

AUSTIN, Texas — Due to dry weather, some Central Texas counties are issuing burn bans to help prevent wildfires.

On Nov. 8, Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Callaway lifted the burn ban that was issued for Travis County. The Fire Marshal's Office is expected to continue monitoring conditions and present their findings to the court this coming Tuesday.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court also issued a burn ban on Tuesday for a period not to exceed 90 days. The ban was lifted on Oct. 14.

Additionally, Hays County has temporarily lifted its burn ban until further notice. Hays County fire authorities will review the need for further burn bans on Nov. 12.

Bastrop, Burnet, Lee and Blanco counties all lifted their burn bans in October and November.

Additionally, burn bans are in place in Mason and Llano counties.

Callaway, the Travis County fire marshal, said he still urges people to be cautious with outdoor fires.

"Keep a means of extinguishing the fire nearby at all times, and never leave a fire unattended," said Callaway. "Call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire gets out of control."

The Fire Marshal's Office said that residents should contact their local fire department before holding any burns in the unincorporated areas of Travis County.

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This ban on outdoor burning did not affect prescribed burns operated under the supervision of a prescription burn manager. It also did not affect welding, cutting or grinding operations and outdoor hot works operations conducted under the Travis County Fire Marshal's guidelines.

Campfires are not permitted in Travis County parks under a burn ban, though barbecuing is allowed as long as the fire is within a closable container or a container with a lid. Always keep plenty of water nearby and call 911 immediately if the fire gets out of control.

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