Sushi restaurant Aburi Tora opened its first Austin-area location in EastVillage Feb. 7. 

The details: According to a news release, the restaurant is known for its "sushi concierge system," where customers place orders through a tablet and are delivered to the table through a network of concealed laneways directly from the kitchen.

The restaurant is also known for its specialized flame-seared sushi and rectangular pressed sushi. Additionally, the menu features nigiri and sashimi rolls, traditional Japanese hot and cold tapas-style dishes, and drinks such as sake and specialized cocktails. 

• 3500 E Parmer Lane, Ste. 8110, Austin

Barton Springs Pool will close Feb. 23-March 13 for maintenance, including the removal of a decades-old pipeline that's prompted environmental and safety concerns.

What's happening: The multiweek pool closure was announced by the city in February after Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection identified potentially unstable portions of a 1940s bypass line near the pool. The pipeline experienced damage after multiple floods over the years, and is now at risk of collapsing into the pool area.

In response, the Barton Springs Skimmer Bypass Project was launched to remove some or all of the aging pipeline to address those risks. City departments determined removing the bypass would be the best option based on cost and timeline, with the project scheduled for this winter to minimize recreational impacts.

The project will also have protections in place for the endangered salamander living around Barton Springs, and may end up improving their habitat.

Travis County has reinstated a burn ban for unincorporated areas that was lifted Jan. 26.

The Travis County Commissioners Court approved implementing a burn ban effective immediately at its Feb. 10 meeting. The burn ban will last 30 days unless lifted earlier by the Travis County judge or fire marshal.

The update: The burn ban comes after Travis County responded to 20-25 fires Feb. 8, Gary Howell, Travis County Chief Fire Marshal, said at the Feb. 10 meeting.

The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, excluding prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.

Also of note: The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office is also urging residents to:

• Avoid activities that could generate sparks.
• Use caution when grilling or barbecuing outdoors. Residents should keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby when doing so.
• Call 911 if they notice a fire that may be out of control.