Williamson County Burn Ban, Still in Effect

Williamson County commissioners extended the county burn ban for 90 days during a regularly scheduled Oct. 18 meeting.

Additionally, Williamson County could be considering extending the burn ban up through the same time next year if weather predictions are accurate, Williamson County Emergency Services Director John Sneed said.

The burn ban prohibits smoking in county-owned parks, preserves and trails. The burning of household yard waste such as leaves, brush and grass is also prohibited under the ban.  Outdoor cooking is allowed if it is enclosed on at least three sides and the top can be covered. The burn ban also allows welding, cutting and grinding operations if required precautions are taken.

Cedar Park Changes Watering Fines

Cedar Park could fall into a mandatory watering schedule by Sept. 1 if current extreme drought conditions continue as expected, Utilities Program Manager Katherine Woerner said during the July 14 council meeting.

The mandatory watering schedule takes effect at Stage 2 of the city's drought contingency plan and requires watering to occur a maximum of twice per week, placing additional restrictions on certain nonessential watering.

An ancillary issue the council is working out with the potential mandatory restrictions are the cost for the enforcement along with the additional load to the municipal courts.

Texas is in the midst of the third-worst drought in state history. "Typically June is a relatively wet month for us," Woerner said. "If things continue to progress, it could become the first-worst [drought in Texas history]."

To find out more about homes in Cedar Park, click here.

Gran Mesa fire burns 60 acres

60 acres burn in Grand Mesa last Thursday. Leander firefighters responded to the fire near Lakeline Boulevard and Osage Drive in the Gran Mesa development about 12:40 p.m. June 16. The fire spread fast, reaching a full-alarm fire within the first nine minutes, according to a City of Leander. 100 were in direct danger from the fire, more than 800 homes were threatened.

To read more about the fire, click here.

To find out more about homes in the Leander area, click here.