Rowlett, TX Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Rowlett distinguishes between contained recreational fires (permitted) and open burning of waste (prohibited). Under the City's adopted fire code summarized on its 'Open Fires and Cooking' page, a detached single-family or duplex home may use a backyard recreational fire in a permanently installed fire pit (at least 10 feet from structures or combustibles, Sec. 307.4.4) or a portable outdoor fireplace/chiminea (operated at least 15 feet away, Sec. 307.4.3). These recreational fire devices are limited to one- and two-family dwellings; the City prohibits them at multifamily buildings of three or more units and at townhomes of three or more units or two or more stories. What may NOT be burned is governed by Section 307.1.1: burning of refuse, debris, and yard waste in the city limits is prohibited, and any fire that is 'offensive or objectionable because of smoke emissions' is banned. So a backyard fire is for recreation or cooking with clean fuel, not for disposing of leaves, brush, or trash. Residents should keep a fire small and attended, maintain the required clearance, and extinguish it if it produces complaint-generating smoke. During a Dallas County burn ban, recreational fires can be further restricted.