Fort Worth, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Fort Worth, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Yard Waste Burning
- Prohibited in city limits
- Pit Size
- Max 3 ft wide x 2 ft tall
- Setback
- 25 ft from structures (open pile)
- Patio Units
- UL-listed chimineas OK at 15 ft
- Burn Ban
- Set by Tarrant County / Fire Marshal
Summary
Open burning of yard waste is prohibited inside Fort Worth city limits, but contained recreational fires in approved pits under three feet across and using clean wood are allowed.
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 or, when that index is not available, through the use of a comparable measurement that takes into consideration the burning index, spread component, or ignition component for the particular area. ... (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);
Full Breakdown
Fort Worth follows the International Fire Code as adopted in the City Code, plus Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) open-burn rules. Open burning of leaves, brush, or household trash is banned inside city limits. Recreational fires are allowed if the fuel pile is no larger than three feet in diameter and two feet tall, the fire is at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and only clean dry seasoned wood, charcoal, or manufactured fire logs are burned. Chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and UL-listed fire pits on patios are allowed closer to a home, typically 15 feet. A responsible adult with a water source or extinguisher must be present until the fire is fully out. During Tarrant County burn bans, which are common in summer drought, even recreational fires may be suspended by the Fort Worth Fire Marshal.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning is a Class C misdemeanor carrying fines up to $500, plus potential TCEQ enforcement. Violations during a declared burn ban can escalate to fines up to $2,000 per occurrence. The Fire Department can also bill for suppression costs if a fire escapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my Fort Worth yard?
Are fire pits legal in Fort Worth?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
How Fort Worth compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth 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.