Outdoor burning is prohibited in Round Rock due to a county-wide burn ban, effective 5 p.m. July 22.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the burn ban Tuesday, July 21 for the following 30 days and authorized the County Judge the authority to lift the ban if conditions improve. 

Drought conditions, high heat, and wind are contributing factors to dangerous fire conditions, which can quickly lead to the spread of a large, damaging fire.

Possible violation of the ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $500. A person violates this order if he or she burns any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning in order to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery or other natural vegetation.