Effectively immediately, the Austin's Parks and Recreation Director is lifting the burn ban for all city parks and nature preserves, pursuant to Ordinance No. 20111020=025, due to the recent rains and improving drought conditions.  However, all parks remain smoke-free and smoking is still prohibited.

The Department reminds the public to take safety precautions while grilling in designated areas:

•Never leave a fire unattended
•Keep a source of water nearby
•Before leaving the site make sure the fire is fully extinguished

Campfires are only allowed at Emma Long Metropolitan Park and these must be attended at all times by an adult until fully extinguished.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department will re-evaluate the wildfire risk and drought conditions on an ongoing basis. If conditions worsen and the threat of wildfire increases the department will issue a Burn Ban Order to be effective immediately.

Smoking violations are a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 pursuant to Chapter 10-6 of the Austin City Code.
 

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