Bastrop County Allows Film Studios to Conduct Burns During Burn Ban

Commissioners amend burn ban rules to exempt commercial film productions with strict oversight and safety measures.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Bastrop County Commissioners have amended the countywide burn ban to allow commercial film studios to conduct controlled burns under strict supervision and at their own cost. The change reflects the county's growing film industry presence and the need to balance public safety with economic impact, according to the county's emergency management coordinator. Any fires lit during the ban period would require onsite firefighters paid for by the film operation, not taxpayers.

Why it matters

The decision aims to support Bastrop County's film industry while maintaining public safety, as the region continues to grapple with elevated drought conditions. The county's burn ban, originally issued in January, is intended to prevent illegal burning that can strain limited emergency resources.

The details

The Bastrop County Commissioners extended the countywide burn ban on Monday but included a tailored exception for commercial film production in the area. The fire chief responsible for any given studio area will decide if a burn plan is appropriate, and any fires lit during the ban period would require onsite firefighters paid for by the film operation, not taxpayers. The change reflects the county's growing film presence and the need to balance public safety with economic impact, according to the county's Office of Emergency Management Coordinator.

  • The countywide burn ban was originally issued on January 16, 2026.
  • The Commissioners amended the burn ban rules on February 9, 2026 to allow the film industry exception.

The players

Gregory Klaus

Bastrop County Judge who signed the order to continue the burn ban restrictions.

James Altgelt

Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator who said the change reflects the county's growing film presence and the need to balance public safety with economic impact.

Mark Wobus

Assistant Chief of Bastrop/Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1 who said crews routinely respond to burn violations and out-of-control debris fires that can strain limited resources.

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What they’re saying

“When we have a professional business doing those types of operations, a burn ban that could potentially go 200 days doesn't adversely impact their economic viability.”

— James Altgelt, Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator

“If we're called out because a citizen is doing a burn that's in violation of the burn ban … it takes our resources right away from the potential of a true emergency that will delay our response.”

— Mark Wobus, Assistant Chief of Bastrop/Travis County Emergency Services District No. 1

What’s next

The fire chief responsible for any given studio area will decide if a burn plan is appropriate, and any fires lit during the ban period would require onsite firefighters paid for by the film operation.

The takeaway

Bastrop County is balancing public safety concerns with supporting its growing film industry by allowing controlled burns by commercial film studios during the countywide burn ban, as long as strict safety measures and oversight are in place.