Outdoor Burning

County Judge Bill Gravell has lifted the burn ban for unincorporated areas of Williamson County today, Friday, October 28, 2022, effective 2 pm.

"Due to the recent rains and cooler weather, I am lifting the burn ban," said County Judge Bill Gravell.

Please be cautious with any outdoor burning activity. Outdoor burning must be conducted under state regulations found in Texas Administrative Code Section 30 TAC 111.219.

Prior to conducting control burns, please take the following steps:

• Please contact your local fire department - Some fire departments may require a Burn Permit.
• Please contact Williamson County Communications - Please call and report your control burn to Williamson County Communications at 512-864-8282. Williamson County Communications should be able to inform you of any burning restrictions that Williamson County Communications has been made aware of and that may exist.

Read a copy of the signed order lifting the burn ban - County Judge Termination of Burn Ban Order (PDF).

The Williamson County Fire Marshal's Office works in coordination with the 17 Fire Departments, Sheriff's Office, Constable's Offices, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to educate county citizens about the outdoor burning regulations and to enforce the state laws governing outdoor burning.

The Fire Marshal's Office does not issue permits for outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the county. During drought conditions, the county Fire Marshal can recommend the adoption of a burn ban order in the county, and with Commissioner Court approval, officers of the Constable's Offices can issue citations for any outdoor burning in the county found in violation of a burn ban.

On this page, you will find links to information that is used to determine when a burn ban is recommended. The current burn ban status for the county is listed as well as links to view and download a free booklet titled "A Citizen's Guide to Outdoor Burning". It is available in both English and Spanish. It consolidates the current outdoor burning regulations for the state and Williamson County. Please share the guide with your friends, neighbors, homeowner's association, neighborhood newsletter, etc. to help educate others about outdoor burning.

Even though the Fire Marshal's Office is not the lead agency in regards to enforcing outdoor burning regulations we are part of the county's coordinated response with the agencies listed above. The reduction of air pollution due to outdoor burning is important for all of us. If we respond at the request of one of the agencies listed above to an outdoor burning incident and determine the burning is in violation, we will refer the case to the Williamson County Environmental Officers for possible criminal charges.

If you have any questions regarding outdoor burning please contact our agency. We are here to help you and guide you through the regulations so that you can make the best decision regarding your outdoor burning situation.

The frequently asked questions (FAQs) section addresses the most common issues regarding outdoor burning. The answer to most of the questions can also be found in the free booklet titled "A Citizen's Guide to Outdoor Burning".

Reminder: Incorporated areas of the county (cities) may have ordinances that prohibit outdoor burning within the city limits.