TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — Travis County Judge Andy Brown signed a disaster declaration Friday as a precautionary measure due to heightened wildfire risks, while a burn bans remain in effect across the region.
The declaration comes as Central Texas faces increasingly dangerous fire conditions, with a wildfire in Burnet County having burned 321.5 acres earlier this week and the Austin area experiencing 40 days without measurable rainfall.
The Williams Road wildfire, which ignited Wednesday afternoon in western Burnet County, is now 90% contained.
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Fire weather conditions are expected to worsen Sunday, when CBS Austin meteorologists predict wind gusts reaching 20 to 30 mph combined with dry air and ongoing drought, elevating the threat level to “high.” Friday and Saturday conditions remain at low to moderate threat levels.
“We’re still under a strict burn ban to protect our community,” Brown said in announcing the declaration.
Residents can receive real-time updates by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777 or visiting WarnCentralTexas.org.
CBS Austin Meteorologist Avery Tomasco described conditions as reaching “a breaking point in this unending drought and fall heatwave,” with no rain expected for at least the next week.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire.