Austin, Texas Officials Report At Least 90 Fires From July 4th Celebrations

The Austin, Texas fire department reported at least 90 fires the night of July 4th in spite of a fireworks ban ordered by Austin and Travis County officials.

Most of the fires were small grass, dumpster and trash fires, the Austin Fire Department tweeted. Several fires reached one to two acres in size. There were three structural fires, though the fire department had not yet confirmed their cause.

Fireworks are illegal to possess or use in Austin unless a permit has been issued by the fire department. Travis County implemented a burn ban which prohibits the use of any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks.

In neighboring Williamson County, officials placed restrictions on aerial fireworks which include stick rockets and missiles with fins or rudders.

A wildfire in Florence Texas, 45 miles north of Austin, is ongoing Tuesday according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The DPS fire covers 180 acres and is 20% contained.

Earlier this year a wildfire east of Austin burned approximately 800 acres, though no homes were destroyed.

Topics Texas