Arlington, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Arlington, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Yard Waste
- Open burning of yard waste and trash is banned citywide year-round
- Recreational Fire
- Recreational fires must be 15 feet from structures and combustibles
- Recreational Fire
- Fire pits limited to 3 feet diameter and 2 feet height for wood fires
- Only seasoned firewood
- Only seasoned firewood or charcoal may be used, supervised by an adult
- Recreational Fire
- All wood recreational fires suspended during Tarrant County burn bans
Summary
Arlington prohibits open burning of yard waste and trash citywide under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules and local fire code. Recreational fires in portable fireplaces and contained fire pits are allowed with setback and fuel restrictions but are suspended during Tarrant County burn bans.
Sec. 352.081. REGULATION OF OUTDOOR BURNING. (a) In this section, "drought conditions" means the existence of a long-term deficit of moisture creating atypically severe conditions with increased wildfire occurrence as defined by the Texas Forest Service through the use of the Keetch-Byram Drought Index ... (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 unincorporated area of the county if: (1) drought conditions have been determined to exist as provided by Subsection (b); or (2) the commissioners court makes a finding that circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated area create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.
Full Breakdown
Arlington adopts the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments regulating outdoor burning. 219 rules for municipalities in nonattainment areas for ozone (Arlington is in the Dallas-Fort Worth nonattainment region). Recreational fires, defined as fires in portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, or in-ground fire pits not exceeding three feet in diameter and two feet in height, are permitted subject to conditions: the fire must be at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material, only seasoned firewood or charcoal may be burned, an adult must supervise continuously, and a means of extinguishment (hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher) must be within reach.
Gas-fueled patio fire pits and barbecue grills are allowed closer to structures per manufacturer instructions. When Tarrant County declares a burn ban, all recreational wood fires are suspended but gas appliances and covered grills remain permitted. Violations can trigger citations up to $2,000 and liability for any suppression costs if the fire escapes.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Arlington code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my Arlington backyard?
Are fire pits allowed during a burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
How Arlington compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle fire pits & backyard fires.