Hidalgo County, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Hidalgo County, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Governing rules
- 30 TAC Chapter 111
- Attendance
- Required entire burn
- Timing
- Sunrise+1hr to sunset-1hr
- Wind limits
- 6 to 23 mph surface wind
- Burn-ban fine
- Up to $500
Summary
The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal regulates outdoor fires in the unincorporated area under Texas Administrative Code outdoor-burning rules. Contained recreational fires must be attended, and open burning of debris requires a burn permit and is suspended during any active county burn ban.
The initiation of burning shall commence no earlier than one hour after sunrise. Burning shall be completed on the same day not later than one hour before sunset.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Hidalgo County is governed by Chapter 111 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, administered by the Fire Marshal's Office (956-318-2656). Small contained recreational fires (a chiminea or fire ring) for warmth or cooking are generally allowed when no burn ban is in effect, but any fire must be attended by a responsible party during the active burn, and the person remains liable for damage or injury. Under the TAC rules, burning may not begin earlier than one hour after sunrise, must end one hour before sunset, and may not occur in surface winds below six mph or above 23 mph. Larger fires require a Fire Marshal burn permit.
Violations & Fines
Burning during a county burn ban, or leaving a fire unattended, may be cited. A violation of a Commissioners Court burn-ban order is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500, plus liability for fire damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in unincorporated Hidalgo County?
Do the state timing rules apply to a fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hidalgo County
How Hidalgo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Hidalgo County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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