The Williamson County Commissioners Court has issued a county-wide burn ban starting at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, for a period not to exceed 90 days due to severe drought conditions. The order can be lifted by the County Judge if conditions improve.
A person violates this order if they burn any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others. The burn ban prohibits the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It also prohibits burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation. This order may be enforced by any duly commissioned peace officer. It is a Class C Misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine up to $500.
This will be the fourth fire station for the Williamson County ESD No. 3, also known as Hutto Fire Rescue, with the new facility located in the Star Ranch subdivision.
Fire Station 4, with a construction cost of $6.6 million, is meant to enhance safety and response times in the area. The 12,000-square-foot station includes three bays and a living quarter. To celebrate the new station, the district will host an uncoupling ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 6.
The district is also planning for a new Fire Headquarters Complex. The Williamson County ESD No. 3 board of commissioners approved a construction contract with Pfluger Builders for $7.5 million at a September meeting.
A man was rescued from a house fire Thursday afternoon, Oct. 10, by two good Samaritans.
Painter Joshua Schaffer was working at a home on Lakemont Circle just after 2:30 p.m. when he smelled smoke and saw flames coming from the house across the street. He quickly ran to help, along with a neighbor. Together, they forced open the door and helped the sole occupant of the home to safety.
Williamson County Fire/Rescue was dispatched at 2:41 p.m. to the two-story, 3,700-square-foot residence. Upon arrival, Williamson County Fire & Rescue Services Coordinator Jay Bonson, the Incident Commander, found the home fully involved with heavy flames visible. Mutual aid was requested and received from the Arrington Fire Department, Franklin Fire Department, Nolensville Fire & Rescue and Williamson Fire Rescue.
According to Bonson, the fire appears to be accidental and likely started on the exterior of the residence; however, the exact cause remains undetermined.
He praised Schaffer, saying, “He saved that guy’s life, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind.”
The man was treated at the scene and released, with no other injuries reported.
The family’s golden retriever had not been found, as of Friday morning, but rescuers are hopeful that the dog escaped the fire through the front door that was left open. Bonson said the home is a total loss.
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