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Live Oak, 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 Live Oak, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Allowed Devices
Pits, chimineas, fire tables, outdoor fireplaces
Wood Clearance
25 feet
Gas Clearance
10 feet per manufacturer listing
Fuel Allowed
Seasoned wood, charcoal, gas (no yard waste)
Burn Ban Effect
Wood fires suspended, gas usually allowed

Summary

Backyard recreational fires in approved pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces are allowed in Live Oak under IFC 307.4.2. Clearance, attendance, and fuel rules apply. Fires pause during Bexar County burn bans.

Sec. 352.081. REGULATION OF OUTDOOR BURNING. ... (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. ... (h) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally violates a prohibition or restriction established by an order adopted under this section. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor.

Source: International Fire Code 307.4.2View official code

Full Breakdown

2 standards. Portable outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, gas fire tables, and masonry or steel pits are all acceptable devices. The fire cannot exceed 3 feet in fuel pile diameter and 2 feet in height, and must be at least 25 feet from structures, wooden fences, decks, overhanging branches, and property lines. Propane or natural gas fire features can be placed closer per manufacturer listing, typically 10 feet from structures. Only seasoned wood, manufactured logs, or clean charcoal may be used as fuel; no yard waste, treated lumber, or trash.

A competent adult must supervise the fire until fully extinguished, and a connected garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher must be on hand. Smoke that drifts into neighboring property can be cited as a public nuisance. During Bexar County burn bans all solid-fuel backyard fires are prohibited, though gas fire features usually remain permitted because they are ignited and extinguished with a valve.

Violations & Fines

Unattended or oversized fires may be cited under the IFC with fines up to 2,000 dollars per offense in Municipal Court. Fires during active burn bans are separate Class C misdemeanors under Texas Local Government Code 352.081.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I roast marshmallows over a backyard fire in Live Oak?
Yes. Recreational cooking or warming fires in an approved pit or fireplace are allowed with 25 feet clearance, adult supervision, and approved fuel.
Does a propane fire table still need 25 feet clearance?
No. Listed gas fire features follow the manufacturer clearance, typically 10 feet from combustibles. They are also usually exempt from solid-fuel burn bans.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Live Oak

All Live Oak rules

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Bexar County handle fire pits & backyard fires.

San Antonio, TX
Some Restrictions