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Bastrop County’s burn ban, first declared March 13 amid dangerously dry conditions and rapid winds, has been lifted, according to county officials.
County commissioners opted not to renew the outdoor burning restrictions following a March 24 morning meeting, citing recent rainfall and a downward trend in the area’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index—a scale that measures wildfire potential from 0 to 800. At the time of the decision, the county’s average KBDI was 420.
According to Lyndsey Schroeder, executive assistant to County Judge Gregory Klaus, local fire chiefs agreed the fire risk had diminished enough to allow outdoor burning to resume.
“We felt like it was okay enough and going to lower even more,” Schroeder said, referencing a large storm system that passed through the area Sunday evening, which helped replenish soil moisture and lower drought indicators.
Forecasts also show more rain is expected this week, which could further improve conditions.
Throughout March, Bastrop County experienced multiple Red Flag Warnings—alerts issued by the National Weather Service when strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation create an elevated risk for wildfires. A single spark can escalate into a large blaze, the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management said. Officials emphasized that lifting the ban does not eliminate all fire risk, especially if conditions worsen.
“The commissioners are very doubtful that a new ban will come to fruition,” Schroeder said, but noted that the county is prepared to enact another emergency declaration and burn ban if drought-like conditions return.
The National Weather Service and county officials continue to advise caution—especially in areas recently affected by wildfires, where runoff and flash flooding may follow heavy rain.
Residents are urged to practice fire safety, including properly discarding cigarettes, securing trailer chains and avoiding parking hot vehicles on dry grass.
For now, outdoor burning is allowed, but officials ask residents to stay mindful as weather conditions evolve.
