BURN BAN ORDERED FOR BASTROP COUNTY

  

Bastrop County Judge Paul Pape  ordered a burn ban on Friday that went into effect this morning — almost four days after an 812-acre wildfire sparked in the county.

The order prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county. Outdoor burning is described in the document as a person igniting “any combustible or vegetative material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks” or ordering similar burning by others.

Violators could face a fine of up to $500 and a citation, according to the order. Pape also issued an accompanying disaster declaration Friday.

This comes after the Rolling Pines Fire sparked Tuesday in the county. At the latest update, it was 87% contained, according to the Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management. County leaders confirmed Tuesday the wildfire was likely caused by embers from a scheduled controlled burn at Bastrop State Park that moved outside its boundaries. The fire forced the evacuations of about 250 families, but no structures were damaged, and no one was hurt.