Fire pit rules in Travis County, TX — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Travis County Fire Marshal permits recreational fire pits in unincorporated areas with 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible vegetation. Pits must be under 3 feet diameter and contained by non-combustible ring. Gas/propane pits exempt from burn bans; wood-burning pits prohibited during Commissioners Court burn bans, common in Hill Country summers.
Travis County ESDs (Emergency Services Districts 1-14) handle fire response and enforcement across unincorporated Hill Country terrain. Fire Marshal (512-854-4621) requires recreational fires be attended, with water/extinguisher on hand. Western Travis County sits in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) with elevated wildfire risk following the 2011 Steiner Ranch fire that destroyed 23 homes and the Bastrop Complex fire that burned nearby. Gas/propane fire pits with shutoff valves are exempt from burn bans per TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and are strongly recommended over wood-burning alternatives in Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, Spicewood, and Bee Cave ETJ areas. Fire pits within 300 feet of brush or grass require extra clearance during red-flag conditions.
Violating burn ban with wood fire: Class C misdemeanor, up to 500 dollar fine. Fire escaping containment: civil liability for suppression costs plus damages. Reckless endangerment during red-flag warning may elevate to Class A.
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