Bexar County, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Bexar County, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- TCEQ exception
- 30 TAC 111.219 cooking/recreational
- San Antonio pit max
- 3 feet diameter, 2 feet height
- Structure clearance
- 15 feet portable, 25 feet open
- Burn ban impact
- Wood fires prohibited
- Propane exception
- Usually allowed during burn bans
Summary
Backyard fires in unincorporated Bexar County must comply with TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and any active burn ban. San Antonio allows recreational fires in approved appliances with 15-foot structure clearance.
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
Full Breakdown
Recreational backyard fires occupy a narrow legal lane in Bexar County. 219 provides limited exceptions for firefighter training, prescribed burns, and cooking fires. 108. Portable fire pits, chimineas, and pellet fire bowls are functionally recreational fires. The City of San Antonio Fire Code (based on IFC with amendments) allows recreational fires of up to 3 feet diameter and 2 feet height, at least 25 feet from any structure, in an approved appliance at least 15 feet from a structure, with dry non-treated fuel, continuous attendance, and a means of extinguishment (hose or fire extinguisher).
Portable outdoor fireplaces must be 15 feet from structures. Fire-resistant surfaces (concrete, stone, bare earth) are required beneath and around the pit. Roasting and cooking fires receive the same treatment and may be exempt from burn bans if in an approved appliance. HOAs in Cibolo Canyons, Alamo Ranch, and similar master-planned communities often restrict wood-burning fire pits in favor of propane fire tables, regardless of city or county rules.
Violations & Fines
County burn ban violation: Class C misdemeanor, up to $500. TCEQ open burning violation: up to $25,000 per day. San Antonio Fire Code violation: municipal offense up to $500 per day. Liability for damage if fire escapes containment is unlimited under Texas common-law negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my backyard fire pit during a burn ban in Bexar County?
How far from my house does a fire pit need to be?
Can my HOA ban fire pits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
How Bexar County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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