Austin Parks and Recreation Department Enacts Burn Ban

Due to high temperatures and lack of rainfall, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is enacting a burn ban.

The burn restriction, which is effective immediately, prohibits the building of fires and grilling in all City of Austin parks, greenbelts and preserves, effective. Included is the use of wood or charcoal BBQ pits/grills/smokers.

Propane stoves are allowed in designated picnic areas only.

Smoking is always prohibited in City of Austin parks.

The Austin Police Department’s Park Police and PARD’s Park Rangers will enforce the ban in the City’s parks and greenbelts. Violations may result in a fine between $300 and $500.

The burn ban helps ensure the safety of park patrons and surrounding communities, while minimizing the wildfire risk in the City’s parks and greenbelts. The Department will continue to evaluate fire conditions and will lift the ban as soon as it is safe to do so; a media advisory will be distributed at that time.