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Burnet County enacts 90‑day outdoor burn ban for unincorporated areas
Summary
The Burnet County Commissioners Court voted unanimously July 7 to prohibit outdoor burning in unincorporated areas for 90 days, citing current dry weather and public‑safety risks. The order takes effect July 7, 2026 and includes enforcement procedures and limited exceptions for prescribed burns and livestock feed use.
The Burnet County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an order July 7 prohibiting outdoor burning in the county’s unincorporated areas for 90 days. County Judge Bryan Wilson opened the item and Interim Emergency Management Director Ed Hashbarger provided an update before Commissioner Damon Beierle moved to enact the ban effective 2:30 p.m. that day; Commissioner Jim Luther Jr. seconded and the vote was 5–0.
The written order (included in the meeting packet) states: “All outdoor burning is prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Burnet County for 90 days from the date of this Order, unless the restrictions are terminated earlier.” It sets enforcement procedures—fire departments respond to reported burns, peace officers may be sent to investigate, and violations are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. The order also lists exemptions for certified prescribed burn managers, state or federal agency prescribed burns, and the controlled burning of prickly pear for livestock where safety measures are in place.
County staff placed the prohibition on the agenda as an emergency public‑safety measure during dry weather conditions. No public comments were offered during the meeting. The order will remain in effect for up to 90 days unless rescinded earlier by the County Judge or Commissioners Court.
