Denton County, TX Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Denton County is in a region with moderate to high wildfire risk due to its mix of cross-timbers oak woodland, tall-grass prairie, and rapidly developing rural-suburban interface. The Denton County Fire Marshal coordinates with Texas A&M Forest Service on wildfire prevention and preparedness. While Texas counties have limited authority to mandate brush clearance on private property, the Fire Marshal promotes defensible space practices including maintaining 30 feet of clearance around structures, removing dead vegetation, and keeping grass mowed to 4 inches or less near buildings. During drought conditions and active burn bans, outdoor burning of brush, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited. Denton County relies on volunteer fire departments (VFDs) for fire response in unincorporated areas, with departments in Argyle, Bartonville, Cross Roads, Northlake, and other communities. Property owners in wildland-urban interface areas should create defensible space and maintain access roads for fire apparatus. The county does not mandate specific vegetation clearance distances but follows Texas A&M Forest Service firewise community guidelines.