HAYS COUNTY– The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office implemented a new online system for Open Burning Permits in the unincorporated areas of the county.

“Our new online portal offers Hays County residents an easy to way register for an open burn permit,” said Fire Marshal Nathan Mendenhall. “We review permit submissions in real time, except on weekends, so it should be a relatively fast turnaround time.”

Open burn permits are valid for seven days, Mendenhall said....