Fire Regulations in Tarrant County, TX (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Tarrant County, Texas.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Fire pits for social gatherings are generally permitted in unincorporated Tarrant County, even during burn bans. No county permit is required. The Tarrant County Fire Code applies to commercial properties but not to residential fire pits in unincorporated areas.

Tarrant County Fire Pit Regulations

Some Restrictions

Tarrant County Fire Marshal — Outdoor Burning (TCEQ Chapter 111, Subchapter B)

Outdoor Burning [...] If burning is allowed, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Chapter 111, Subchapter B, governs outdoor burning in the State of Texas. The Tarrant County Fire Marshal's Office reminds you that if you conduct an outside burn, you must observe the following requirements: Burn only in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County. Contact the Tarrant County Regional Com...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fireworks

No burn ban is currently active in Tarrant County (last lifted September 17, 2024). Texas counties may only restrict fireworks under Local Gov Code §352.051 when drought conditions exist (Keetch-Byram Drought Index 575+), and only "restricted fireworks", skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins, can be banned by commissioners court order. Burn bans alone do NOT prohibit fireworks under Texas law.

Tarrant County Fireworks Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Tarrant County Fire Marshal — Outdoor Burn Ban (Commissioners Court Order)

Burn Ban: When Tarrant County is under imminent threat of severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from the threat of wildfires due to drought conditions, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court will approve a ban on outdoor burning for a period of 90 days. During this time no open flames, sparks or embers are allowed. For our residents in the rural areas, we strongly suggest...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Wildfire Zones

Tarrant County does not designate formal wildfire hazard zones. The Texas A and M Forest Service maps WUI risk statewide, with parts of western Tarrant County rated moderate risk during drought.

Tarrant County Wildfire Zones

Light Restrictions

Tex. Local Gov't Code Sec. 352.081(b), (c)

Sec. 352.081. REGULATION OF OUTDOOR BURNING. ... (b) On the request of the commissioners court of a county, the Texas Forest Service shall determine whether drought conditions exist in all or part of the county. ... (c) The commissioners court of a county by order may prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in general or outdoor burning of a particular substance in all or part of the unincorporate...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are required under the adopted International Residential Code and TX Property Code 92.251 for rentals. Landlords must install and maintain alarms in every bedroom and on each floor.

Tarrant County Smoke Detectors

Light Restrictions

Tex. Property Code Sec. 92.255(a)

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 ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗