Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell on Friday issued an Order Declaring a Local State of Disaster for Williamson County. The Order prohibits outdoor burning in all of the unincorporated areas of Williamson County and smoking in and/or on Williamson County parks, preserves and trails due to dry vegetation, wind and imminent threat of severe damage. The order is in effect for a period not to exceed seven days and can be lifted by the County Judge if conditions improve.
According to the county, a person violates this order if they burn any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.
Violations of the burn ban are punishable by a fine that does not exceed $1,000, or confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days.
