Posted: Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00 AM - 15,046 Readers

By: LCRA

LCRA is enacting more restrictive burn bans in its public parks to reduce the risk of wildfires that are an increasing threat due to the region’s severe drought conditions.

“The stepped-up ban means that no ground fires are allowed and no cooking fires are allowed that are fueled by charcoal, wood or any other solid fuels, even inside fire rings or above-ground barbecue grills,” said David Whatley, manager of LCRA parks. “Visitors are only allowed to cook with ‘container’ sources like Coleman stoves or other gas stoves.”

All of the 42 parks and recreation areas that LCRA owns along the lower Colorado River have burn bans in place because they are located in counties that have adopted burn bans.

LCRA imposes ground fire bans on its properties by following county burn ban decisions. Because of the danger posed by dry conditions, more than 200 counties in Texas (more than 80 percent) are reporting burn bans.

Most of this year’s 8,000 wildfires were set by hand, either on purpose or unintentionally, according to the Texas Forest Service, which also estimates that the fires have burned more 1,528,714 acres and destroyed more than 250 homes. LCRA collaborated with the Texas Forest Service and Travis County Parks Department on the appropriate steps to take in its parks.

“Travis County Parks, which operates seven of our Lake Travis public properties, agreed with our concerns, and worked with us to take quick action,” Whatley said. “Our priority is the safety of park visitors as well as any of our neighbors who could be affected by wildfires on our park properties. We will continue to evaluate drought and fire conditions on a daily basis and make changes as they are necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved.”

The continued lack of rain has created conditions that could quickly devastate large areas of parklands and wildlife preserves from fire. The dry vegetation and frequent windy days could spread wildfires quickly and make them extremely difficult to extinguish.

The stepped -up burn ban is effective immediately, and red and white burn ban signs are located in LCRA parks to remind visitors of the ban.

Additionally, LCRA bans the use of personal fireworks at all its parks and lakes year-round. People planning to visit or camp at an LCRA park are encouraged to visit www.lcra.org for the most current information on burn bans in LCRA parks. For a list of LCRA parks, go to www.lcra.org/parks/index.html.

LCRA is not alone in stepping up its efforts to get ahead of wildfires. Many cities have made changes to their burn bans. The Austin Parks and Recreation Department recently adopted a temporary fire and smoking ban in the City of Austin Parks and Recreation system.

*  Story Contributed by: LCRA