Fire Regulations in Austin, TX (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Fire pits and backyard fires are allowed in Austin if used for cooking or warmth and kept to 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Permanent outdoor fireplaces and enclosed barbecue pits are permitted. Burning trash is prohibited.
Austin Fire Pit Rules & Outdoor Fire Regulations
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Consumer fireworks are illegal to possess, use, or sell within Austin city limits. Violations can carry fines up to $2,000. Permits are issued only for professional displays by Austin Fire Special Events.
fire/fireworks
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Occ. Code Sec. 2154.251(a)
Sec. 2154.251. PROHIBITED USE OF FIREWORKS. (a) A person may not: (1) explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization; (2) sell at retail, ...
Brush Clearance
Austin Fire Department enforces the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code adopted in 2020 requiring defensible space around homes in designated WUI zones, primarily in West Austin hills. Property owners must maintain 30 to 100 feet of cleared space and follow state Property Code guidelines.
Austin Brush Clearance Rules
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning within Austin city limits is prohibited except for small recreational fires (3 feet diameter or less, 2 feet tall or less) for cooking or warmth. Burning in all city parks, greenbelts, and preserves is prohibited under Ordinance No. 20111102-025.
Austin Outdoor Burning & Open Fire Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
The Austin Fire Department designates WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) zones concentrated in West Austin hills west of MoPac and south of the Colorado River. Homes in these zones face stricter building codes, vegetation management, and inspection requirements under Chapter 6-1.
Austin Wildfire Zones
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Austin follows the International Fire Code and Texas Property Code §92.251-.262 requiring working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, hallway, and each story of a dwelling. Rental properties must have alarms tested at move-in, and interconnected 10-year sealed-battery alarms are required in new construction.
Austin Smoke Detector Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.255 (Smoke Alarm Installation and Location)
Sec. 92.255. INSTALLATION AND LOCATION. (a) A landlord shall install at least one smoke alarm in each separate bedroom in a dwelling unit. In addition: (1) if the dwelling unit is designed to use a single room for dining, living, and sleeping, the smoke alarm must be located inside the room; (2) if multiple bedrooms are served by the same corridor, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in ...
Backyard Fires
Austin Fire Code Chapter 25-12 allows recreational backyard fires only in approved appliances (chimineas, fire pits under 3 feet diameter, patio heaters) with dry seasoned wood or manufactured logs. Open burning of yard waste is banned, and Travis County burn bans automatically apply in Austin city limits.
Austin Backyard Fire Rules
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
Austin Fire Code Title 6, an amended version of the 2021 International Fire Code Chapter 61, restricts residential propane storage to 25 gallons aggregate water capacity, with stricter rules for multifamily balconies and commercial cylinder exchange under IFC Section 6101.
Austin Fire Code Limits Residential Propane Cylinder Storage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Fire Regulations in Travis County →