Travis County, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Travis County, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Clearance
- 25 ft structures/lines
- Size Limit
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft tall
- Burn Ban
- Wood fires prohibited
- Propane
- Exempt from bans
- HOA
- May prohibit wood fires
Summary
Backyard recreational fires in unincorporated Travis County must comply with TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and active Commissioners Court burn bans. Wood fires require 25-foot clearance, continuous attendance, water/extinguisher, and prohibited during burn bans. Propane chimineas and gas fire pits exempt from burn bans and recommended in WUI areas.
Outdoor Burning Information and resources for outdoor burning in Texas. [...] Outdoor Burning Brochure Answers to Some Burning Questions-Do's and Don'ts for Outdoor Burning at Your Residence Small Business and Local Government Assistance Home Air Compliance Resources
Full Breakdown
Recreational fires are allowed when no burn ban is in effect, limited to clean firewood (no trash, treated lumber, or construction debris per TCEQ). Fires must be under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, in a non-combustible container or cleared pit, 25 feet from structures and property lines, attended by an adult, and extinguished completely. During red-flag warnings issued by NWS Austin/San Antonio, wood fires are strongly discouraged. Western Travis County residents in Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave ETJ, and Spicewood should default to gas/propane given Hill Country fuel loads. HOAs in master-planned communities (Steiner Ranch, Circle C, Avery Ranch) often ban open wood fires entirely.
Violations & Fines
Violating burn ban: up to 500 dollar fine. Escaping fire causing damage: criminal mischief plus civil liability for suppression and neighbor damages, potentially six figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire in my Travis County backyard?
Whats the safest fire option in Hill Country areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
How Travis County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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