Atascosa County adopts 60-day burn ban for unincorporated areas; fire marshal may lift ban earlier

Atascosa County commissioners on Oct. 14 adopted an order restricting outdoor burning in unincorporated areas effective Oct. 14, 2025, for a 60-day period through Dec. 10, 2025, and granted the county fire marshal authority to rescind the order early if conditions improve.

Fire Marshal Ronald Sanchez told the court the order responds to prolonged dry conditions and a lack of measurable rain. He recommended a 60-day burn ban to reduce wildfire risk. The motion to adopt the order was made by Commissioner Riley and seconded by Commissioner Pavelic; commissioners voted to approve the ban by voice vote.

Why it matters: The ban limits outdoor burning across unincorporated parts of the county and is intended to reduce the risk of fire spread during an extended dry period. The court’s approval also allows the fire marshal to end the ban without returning to the commissioners’ court if the hazard abates.

Ending: The court approved the burn ban and proceeded to the next agenda item.