Is a state or city wide ordinance enforcing burn ban in times of drought necessary?

The Austin City Council is reviewing a plan, according to The Austin American Statesman, to make it an ordinance prohibiting open fires, grills, and smoking in parks, and not just a rule. The Editorial Board of The Austin American Statesman states that they feel just the rule is not enough to prevent people from having open flame in this time of drought. It is sited in the article that the devastating Bastrop fires were started by dry trees colliding with power lines, and that anything we are able to do to help prevent another incident of that scale is worth doing. The Editorial Board calls to city council members, as well as the community, to reevaluate the plans on what steps should be taken during a severe drought. Budgeting to involve tree trimming around power lines, grass that is more resilient, and the ordinance for smoking are the key points brought up.

I completely agree with the points made by the Editorial Board in this article. There needs to be more severe consequences for having an open fire in a time of prolonged drought than just a posted sign and the honor system. If there is no water is keep the grass and trees alive, then they need to be removed when it becomes a hazard. There need to be plans put in place to conserve water and save specific vegetation, such as trees, and bushes. However, it is understandable that some plants will die as a drought continues or worsens. The wildfires would not have been so widespread and devastating if the dead brush had not been as thick in key areas. Steps must be taken to prevent more loss of land, and especially loss of life. In the article it is mentioned that the community and City Council need to look at the "big picture", and I could not agree more. This is no longer about whether someones lawn is the best in the neighborhood, or if a family has delicious burgers on their camping trip. It has become about preserving the beautiful parks and wildlife here in Texas, and about saving people's homes and belongings. We can all do more to be more safe in this hard time.