Outdoor Burning: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Austin and Pflugerville have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
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.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Travis County is governed by TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and Commissioners Court burn ban orders. Burn bans are in effect most summers (typically May-October) when KBDI exceeds 575. Burning household garbage, construction debris, and wire insulation is prohibited year-round. Permits required for land-clearing burns.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited (trash/debris) | - |
| Recreational Fire | ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft tall | - |
| Parks/Greenbelts | No fires (Ord. 20111102-025) | - |
| Burn Bans | Travis County may impose | - |
| Enforcement | Austin Fire Department | - |
| State Rule | - | TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 |
| Burn Ban | - | Commissioners Court, summers |
| Prohibited | - | Trash, construction debris |
| Setback | - | 300 ft from structures |
| Fine | - | 500 dollars county, 10K TCEQ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Austin?
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.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Austin?
Open Burning: Prohibited (trash/debris). Recreational Fire: ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft tall. Parks/Greenbelts: No fires (Ord. 20111102-025). Burn Bans: Travis County may impose.
Pflugerville FAQ
Is there a burn ban in Travis County right now?
Check traviscountytx.gov or the TAMU Forest Service burn ban map. Bans are common May through October.
Can I burn yard debris in unincorporated Travis County?
Yes, vegetative debris only, outside burn bans, 300+ feet from structures, attended, winds under 15 mph, with suppression on hand.
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