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Austin Begins 190-Acre Prescribed Burn on Water Quality Protection Lands

Designed to mimic natural fire cycles, the controlled burn reduces brush fuel loads to bolster Edwards Aquifer recharge.

Map: Smoke may be visible northeast of RR 3237, north of FM 150, south of FM 967 and west of FM 1626 and FM 2770 from 10 a.m. to sunset. Smoke may also be visible at locations along the I-35 corridor between South Austin and Kyle to the east, and to areas between Dripping Springs and Wimberley to the west.
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Overview

  • The prescribed burn began August 5 on approximately 190 acres of City of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands under strict safety protocols.
  • Smoke is expected to drift northeast of RR 3237, north of FM 150, south of FM 967 and west of FM 1626 and FM 2770 from 10 a.m. until sunset.
  • Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division is leading the operation with support from city and county fire departments and federal, state and local land management agencies.
  • The Water Quality Protection Lands program manages over 35,000 acres that safeguard water quality and quantity for Barton Springs and groundwater wells in Hays and Travis counties.
  • Staff have observed greater wildflower diversity and new habitat for grassland birds such as quail and northern harrier hawks following previous prescribed burns.