Backyard fires in unincorporated Tarrant County must comply with TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and any active Commissioners Court burn ban. Small contained cooking fires are generally allowed year round.
Small recreational fires and contained cooking or warming fires fall under the TCEQ exception in 30 TAC 111.219, which allows fires used for noncommercial cooking, ceremonies, or recreation when fuel is clean seasoned wood and the fire is attended at all times. Chimineas, propane fire tables, and masonry fire pits using clean wood or gas are generally allowed in unincorporated Tarrant County. However, during a Commissioners Court burn ban under Texas Local Government Code 352.081, even small backyard fires can be restricted, although exceptions for grills and contained devices are typically carved out. The International Fire Code, where adopted by a city, requires fire pits to be at least 15 feet from structures and combustibles, with bucket, hose, or extinguisher on hand. HOA rules commonly impose additional setbacks and bans on open flame near fences.
Burn ban violation: Class C misdemeanor, up to $500 fine. TCEQ outdoor burning violations: administrative penalties. Code violations: handled by cities where adopted.
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