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

Key Facts

Container max
3 ft diameter
Setback
25 ft from structures
Fuel
Clean wood/charcoal
Supervision
Adult present
Burn bans
Suspend all fires

Summary

Backyard recreational fires are permitted in North Richland Hills in approved containers under 3 feet wide, 25 feet from structures, and burning only clean wood. Burn bans suspend all backyard fires.

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: NRH Fire DepartmentView official code

Full Breakdown

North Richland Hills International Fire Code Section 307 governs recreational backyard fires. Permitted fires must be contained in a non-combustible fire pit or container no larger than 3 feet in diameter, placed at least 25 feet from any structure, fence, deck, or overhanging tree, and attended at all times by an adult with a charged garden hose or fire extinguisher ready. Only clean firewood, charcoal, or commercial fire logs may be burned; leaves, yard waste, trash, plastics, and treated lumber are banned under TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209. Tarrant County burn bans declared under TX LGC 352.081 during drought periods suspend all backyard fires including approved recreational pits. Smoke from a legal fire must not create a nuisance for neighbors in Home Town, Smithfield, or other dense neighborhoods. NRH Fire Marshal can require extinguishment if the fire threatens safety. Violations are Class C misdemeanors up to 2,000 dollars under fire code provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a backyard bonfire in NRH?
Only in a pit under 3 feet wide, 25 feet from structures, attended, and outside of burn bans.
What fuel can I use?
Clean wood, charcoal, or manufactured fire logs only; no yard waste, trash, or treated wood.
Who can order my fire extinguished?
The NRH Fire Marshal or responding firefighter may require extinguishment for safety reasons.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in North Richland Hills

All North Richland Hills rules

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

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities

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