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In Austin Parks, Burn Ban Lifted

Flickr, Jeff Gunn http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffgunn/5783484625/sizes/m/in/photostream/

The rain we’ve had lately isn’t enough to get rid of the drought, but it is enough to get rid of the burn ban in Austin Parks.

Austin Parks and Recreation is lifting the ban, effectively immediately, and removing the plastic that’s been wrapped around barbecue grills.

The lifting of the ban also means campfires are okay, but only at Emma Long Metropolitan Park.

So get out there and enjoy while you can, because Victor Ovalle of Austin Parks and Recreation says the burn ban can come back if go too long without any more rain.

“The director will be assessing conditions on an ongoing basis and if she is -- if the Department feels that conditions worsen and the threat of wildfires increase, then we will issue a burn ban,” Ovalle said

One thing that hasn’t changed: there’s still no smoking allowed in Austin parks.

Travis County lifted its ban on outdoor burning earlier this month.

Trey Shaar is an All Things Considered producer, reporter and host. Got a tip? Email him at tshaar@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @treyshaar.
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