Pflugerville, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Pflugerville, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit for recreational fire
- Not required (exempt)
- Open-fire setback
- 50 feet from structures
- Contained fire (waste burner)
- 15 feet minimum
- Attendance
- Constant, water ready
- Enforcement
- Fire Marshal; § 10.99 penalty
Summary
Recreational, cooking, and warmth fires need no permit in Pflugerville, but the code requires 50 feet of clearance from any structure, or 15 feet if the fire burns inside an approved container, with an attendant and water on hand.
No person shall kindle or maintain any open fire... without first having obtained a permit for such fire from the Fire Marshal... unless the open fire qualifies under one of the following exceptions:... Fires for recreational or ceremonial purposes, in the noncommercial preparation of food, or used exclusively for the purpose of supplying warmth during cold weather... The location of such open fire shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure... or such fire shall be contained in an approved waste burner located safely no less than 15 feet from any structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904710; v24 updated 2026-05-26).
Full Breakdown
Pflugerville Code Chapter 91 lets you burn a recreational, ceremonial, cooking, or warmth fire without a Fire Marshal permit, provided it complies with TCEQ rules. The code sets the open-fire setback at 50 feet from any structure, or 15 feet if the fire is contained in an approved waste burner such as a fire pit or chiminea. A competent person must attend the fire until it is extinguished, keeping a connected garden hose or other fire-extinguishing equipment ready. The Fire Marshal can prohibit any or all open fires when atmospheric conditions turn hazardous or a burn ban is in effect.
Violations & Fines
Open burning without a required permit, or a non-exempt fire set closer than the mandated clearance from a structure, violates § 91.01 and is punishable under the general penalty in § 10.99. The Fire Marshal may order the fire extinguished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Pflugerville?
How far from my house must a fire be?
Can the city stop me from burning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pflugerville
How Pflugerville compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Pflugerville to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Travis County handle fire pits & backyard fires.