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Hays County will let burn ban lapse briefly, then reinstate it Monday through April 14, county officials say
Summary
Emergency services staff recommended allowing the current burn ban to expire and reinstating it Monday for a longer effective period through April 14 to provide a safe window for controlled burning followed by a protective ban; commissioners approved the plan.
Hays County's Commissioner's Court approved a short sequence of actions on outdoor burning after hearing from Emergency Services Director Mike Jones and county chiefs. Jones told the court that the existing burn ban ends today, that some rain is forecast but winds are expected, and recommended allowing a brief window for residents to burn debris followed by reinstating a ban effective Monday and lasting through April 14 to reduce wildfire risk.
Commissioners discussed the timing and instructed county counsel to draft an order with the stated effective dates; the motion passed on a voice and roll call. The court emphasized the practical balance between allowing a limited cleanup period and reducing the risk of wind‑driven fires during drier conditions.
Quote: "The burn ban that expires today, let it expire only for me to reinstate it on Monday so we have a chance to clean up our acreage and prevent future fires," the judge summarized from emergency services staff recommendations.
Next steps: County staff will draft and post a burn‑ban order reflecting the court's direction effective Monday through April 14 and will coordinate with local ESDs and fire chiefs on public notification.
