Williamson County, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Williamson County, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Gas/propane pits
- Legal during burn bans
- Wood fire in a ban
- Prohibited
- Structure setback
- 300 feet
- Burn ban penalty
- Up to $500 fine
Summary
Propane and gas fire pits burn year-round in unincorporated Williamson County and stay legal even during a county burn ban; wood recreational fires are prohibited whenever the Commissioners Court declares a burn ban.
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.
Full Breakdown
Williamson County has no zoning and sets no distance rule for a backyard fire pit. Wood-fueled recreational fires fall under state outdoor-burning rules and the county's drought burn ban, which the Commissioners Court adopts under Local Government Code 352.081. Fires fueled by liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas are excluded from burn-ban orders and continue during a ban. Keep any open flame attended and 300 feet from neighboring occupied structures under 30 TAC 111.219.
Violations & Fines
Burning wood during an active Williamson County burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a propane fire pit during a burn ban?
Is a wood fire pit legal at my rural home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Williamson County
How Williamson County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Williamson County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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