HAYS COUNTY — The burn ban has been reinstated in Hays County.

On July 11, the Hays County Commissioner Court this approved the implementation of a 90-day burn ban across Hays County.

“The KBDI [Keetch-Byram Drought Index] is 473,” said Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus. “The forecast for the days to come continues with hot and dry conditions with an increase in afternoon winds from Wednesday thru Saturday. This will make any fire that does start difficult to control.”

The burn ban is partially influenced by the Vineyard Hill Fire that occurred over the weekend off Hilliard Road, which burned approximately 50 acres.

Wobus said he is investigating the Vineyard Hill Fire but believes it was ignited when a private citizen was conducting a controlled burn on their property and it got out of control.

“We remind local residents that during a burn ban, outdoor burning is prohibited,” he said.

Emergency information from Hays County can be found at haysinformed.com. To learn more about the KBDI, visit https://twc.tamu.edu/kbdi.