The City of Cedar Park is temporarily closing its wood/charcoal-burning grills located throughout City-operated parks, due to ongoing dry weather conditions. This comes as hot, dry conditions are expected in the next ten-day forecast and most of the rest of the summer. Both Williamson and Travis Counties are under a Burn Ban. The grills are wrapped with signage indicating their closure.
Cedar Park Fire Chief James Mallinger said, “A few weeks ago the Fire Department felt that ground moisture was good enough to allow wood and charcoal grilling in our City parks. That has since changed. Unfortunately, the rain subsided and grasses are now turning yellow throughout the community. Uncontrolled sparks or flames from grilling, smoking, fireworks and other activities can easily start a fire during these dry conditions.”
Parks patrons and anyone who has rented a pavilion wishing to grill in City parks are welcome to bring their own gas grill and use that in lieu of charcoal or wood grills in order to cook within City parks. Chief Mallinger stresses the importance of practicing grilling safety – especially during these dry weather conditions.
“When grilling, whether at home or in one of our parks, it is important to have a water supply or fire extinguisher nearby.”
Grills in City parks will remain closed until the Counties’ Burn Bans are lifted.
