Small recreational backyard fires for cooking or warmth are permitted in approved containers with setbacks and supervision. Burning leaves, trash, or yard waste is prohibited inside Lubbock city limits year-round.
Under Lubbock Code Chapter 14 and the adopted International Fire Code Section 307, a recreational backyard fire must be in an approved portable outdoor fireplace, chiminea, or fire pit no larger than 3 feet across; located at least 15 feet from any structure, fence, or combustible material (2 feet for portable outdoor fireplaces); use only seasoned wood, charcoal, or commercial fire logs; and be continuously attended by an adult with a water source or extinguisher within reach. Cooking fires on residential grills (gas, charcoal, pellet) are exempt from the 15-foot setback but must still be attended. Yard waste, leaves, trash, painted or treated wood, plastics, and construction debris may not be burned. The Fire Marshal may order extinguishment for any fire producing offensive smoke or creating a nuisance. During city-declared or county burn bans, only gas and propane devices may be used.
Citation to extinguish plus fine 100-500 dollars. Burning prohibited materials or violating a burn ban: up to 2,000 dollar fine.
See how Lubbock's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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