Williamson County Fire MArshell

The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Commissioners Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Commissioners Valerie Covey approve issuing a county-wide burn ban during the September 30 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Commissioners Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Commissioners Valerie Covey approve issuing a county-wide burn ban during the September 30 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County enacts fall burn ban due to dry conditions

The Williamson County Commissioners Court issued a countywide burn ban effective Tuesday, September 30, for up to 90 days as a precaution during increased drought conditions. The order may be lifted earlier by commissioners' court or the county judge if conditions improve.
A vacant church in Bartlett was scorched due to arson, June 11. Photo courtesy of Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office.

A vacant church in Bartlett was scorched due to arson, June 11. Photo courtesy of Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Suspected Bartlett arsonist arrested

The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Carlos Crathers, of Temple, as a suspect in connection with one of four recent structure fires in Bartlett.Fire Marshal Mike Lugo told the Sun that no details on the motive or other suspects have been confirmed.
50 acres burnt near Parmer Lane: an overview shot shows an area in Cedar Park impacted by the Parmer Lane fire in August 2023. [Sun archive photo]

50 acres burnt near Parmer Lane: an overview shot shows an area in Cedar Park impacted by the Parmer Lane fire in August 2023. [Sun archive photo]

Williamson County issues county-wide burn ban

The Williamson County Commissioners Court issued a county-wide burn ban effective 10:18 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, for a period not to exceed 90 days due to severe drought conditions. These conditions include above-average heat, low humidity, low fuel moisture, and high winds.
Mike Lugo, center, was sworn in as Williamson County’s new Fire Marshal, January 28. Commemorations of him are Bill Zito, director of Emergency Services (far left), County Commissioner Terry Cook, Mr. Lugo’s family, County Commissioner Valerie Covey and County Commissioner Russ Boles, far left. Photo by courtesy of Williamson County.

Mike Lugo, center, was sworn in as Williamson County’s new Fire Marshal, January 28. Commemorations of him are Bill Zito, director of Emergency Services (far left), County Commissioner Terry Cook, Mr. Lugo’s family, County Commissioner Valerie Covey and County Commissioner Russ Boles, far left. Photo by courtesy of Williamson County.

Williamson County gains new fire marshal

 Mike Lugo is named Williamson County’s new Fire Marshal. He was sworn in on Tuesday, January 28, during the regular session of commissioners court. Commissioners approved Lugo’s appointment to a two-year term.
Map identifies the counties that have Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories. Williamson County is under a Winter Storm Warning. Illustration courtesy of the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.

Map identifies the counties that have Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories. Williamson County is under a Winter Storm Warning. Illustration courtesy of the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.

Williamson County establishes Emergency Operations Center ahead of winter storm

The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management will open an Emergency Operations Center tonight in response to the Cold Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service.
Maydell and Larry Foust’s property is scorched by a wildfire caused by fireworks during Halloween. Photo courtesy of Maydell and Larry Foust.

Maydell and Larry Foust’s property is scorched by a wildfire caused by fireworks during Halloween. Photo courtesy of Maydell and Larry Foust.

Wilco warns of winter wildfires

Despite cooler temperatures, Williamson County is still prone to wildfires in the winter. “We are expecting dry conditions, outside of our normal Texas winter, I would say,” said Ron Cunningham, Wilco’s interim fire marshall.
Ron Cunningham, right, gets sworn in as the Interim Fire Marshal for Williamson County during a meeting October 29. He was joined by his wife, pictured center.  Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Ron Cunningham, right, gets sworn in as the Interim Fire Marshal for Williamson County during a meeting October 29. He was joined by his wife, pictured center. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

County Briefs: Williamson County operations pause for the holidays

 Williamson County Offices will be closed on several days in November to observe holidays: on Monday, November 11 for Veterans Day and for the Thanksgiving holiday.

National Fire Protection Week focuses on cooking safety

The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s office is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s Fire Protection Week campaign, “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.”  Fire Prevention Week is October 8 through 14.