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Keller, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Fire pit rules in Keller, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Fact
Contained backyard recreational fires are allowed when no burn ban is active
Fact
Minimum 25-foot clearance from structures, fences, and vegetation
Fact
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited year-round
Fact
Wood recreational fires are suspended during Tarrant County burn bans
Fact
Propane and natural gas features are generally exempt from burn bans

Summary

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Keller when contained, attended, and clear of combustibles. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Wood fires 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 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.(b) On the request of the commissioners court of a county, the Texas Forest Service shall determine whether drought conditions exist in all or part of the county. The Texas Forest Service shall make available the measurement index guidelines that

Source: City of Keller Fire DepartmentView official code

Full Breakdown

Backyard recreational fires in Keller are regulated as a subset of the citywide outdoor burning rule. A backyard fire is lawful if it is a small cooking fire in a grill or smoker, a commercially manufactured fire pit or chiminea in an approved non-combustible container, or a propane or natural gas fire feature. Fires must maintain a minimum 25-foot clearance from structures, fences, and combustible vegetation and be attended by an adult with a working garden hose or portable extinguisher at all times. Wood-burning recreational fires must use dry seasoned firewood, not yard waste, construction lumber, or treated wood.

209 because Keller is in the DFW ozone nonattainment area. During a Tarrant County burn ban declared by the Commissioners Court under Texas Local Government Code Sec. 081, all wood-burning recreational fires are suspended. Propane and natural gas fire features with shut-off valves are generally exempt from burn bans because they are treated as controlled combustion appliances. HOAs in most Keller subdivisions layer additional restrictions on backyard fires, so homeowners should confirm covenants before installing fixed fire features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a backyard bonfire in Keller?
No. Traditional ground bonfires are not allowed. Small contained recreational fires in an approved fire pit or chiminea are permitted when no burn ban is active.
Does my HOA affect what I can do in the backyard?
Yes. Most Keller subdivisions have HOA covenants that add restrictions beyond the city code, especially for fixed fire features and outdoor kitchens.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Keller

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How Keller compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Keller to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities

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