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Fire Regulations in Waco, TX (2026)

4 verified fire regulations for Waco, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

A backyard stove, oven or barbecue pit used outdoors in Waco must sit at least 10 feet from any adjoining building; an open cooking fire not built in a pit needs 50 feet from the nearest structure and constant attendance with a hose or extinguisher on hand.

Waco Outdoor Fire Pit Setback Rules

Some Restrictions

Waco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 10-45(a)-(b) (Outdoor fires)

(a)No person shall operate a stove, oven, or barbecue pit upon any lot or premises outside of a building or enclosure when such stove, oven, or barbecue pit is located less than ten feet from any adjoining building. ... (b)Fires used to cook food for human consumption that are not within a stove, oven, or barbecue pit, shall be located at least 50 feet from the nearest structure and shall be co...

Fireworks

Waco prohibits the use of fireworks within city limits except by licensed professionals with permits. Texas state law allows certain fireworks in unincorporated areas, but Waco's city ordinance bans consumer use.

Waco Fireworks Regulations

Some Restrictions

Tex. Occupations Code Sec. 2154.003 (Permissible Fireworks)

Sec. 2154.003. PERMISSIBLE FIREWORKS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), Fireworks 1.4G are permissible fireworks.(b) The following are not permissible fireworks:(1) sky rockets or "bottle rockets" with:(A) a total propellant charge of less than four grams;(B) a casing size of less than five-eighths of an inch for the outside diameter and less than 3-1/2 inches in length; and(C) ...

Brush Clearance

Waco requires every property under five acres to be cleared entirely of brush, while larger tracts must be kept clear within 100 feet of a right-of-way or property line. The rule is enforced under the same weeds-and-vegetation notice process, with seven days to comply before the city acts.

Waco Brush Clearance Requirements

Some Restrictions

Waco, TX Code of Ordinances Sec. 16-63 (Ord. No. 2025-815, § 3, 11-4-25)

Sec. 16-63. - Brush. (a)Properties less than five acres must be cleared of all brush.(b)Properties five acres or larger in size must be cleared of any brush within 100 feet of any adjoining right-of-way or property line. (Ord. No. 2025-815, § 3, 11-4-25)

Outdoor Burning

Waco bans burning grass, weeds, brush, or any other material anywhere within city limits unless the fire marshal has issued a permit and the burn follows the permit's conditions. A compliant backyard cooking fire under the city's separate outdoor-fire rules is the only exception.

Waco Requires a Permit to Burn Yard Debris

Significant Restrictions

Waco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 10-45(c) (Outdoor fires: burning of vegetation)

No person shall burn any cut or uncut grass, weeds, brush, or other vegetation, or any other material upon any lot or premises within the corporate limits of the city, except after obtaining a permit from the fire marshal and subject to the conditions upon which said permit was issued and except for the cooking fires authorized by and in accordance with this chapter.