WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas -- Williamson County on Friday issued an emergency burn ban that prohibits burning of any combustible materials outside of an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks that could result in a fire.

The outdoor burn ban will be in effect for seven days unless an extension is granted by the Commissioners Court. An extension will be considered Tuesday, July 24.

The ban was prompted by the heat and the dry weather, which have already contributed to large fires in Central Texas.

You are in violation of the ban if you burn yard waste outside of an approved container. Also prohibited is burning to clear land of trees, shrubbery and other natural vegetation. A violation is punishable by a fine of up to $500.