No burn ban is currently active in Tarrant County (last lifted September 17, 2024). Texas counties may only restrict fireworks under Local Gov Code §352.051 when drought conditions exist (Keetch-Byram Drought Index 575+), and only "restricted fireworks" — skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins — can be banned by commissioners court order. Burn bans alone do NOT prohibit fireworks under Texas law.
Tarrant County's outdoor burning rules are issued by the Commissioners Court through the Fire Marshal's Office. As of the most recent action, the burn ban for unincorporated Tarrant County was lifted on September 17, 2024 and no active burn ban is reported by the Texas A&M Forest Service feed. Under Texas Local Government Code §352.051, a county commissioners court may by order prohibit or restrict the sale or use of "restricted fireworks" (defined narrowly as skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins) in unincorporated areas only when drought conditions exist — defined as a Keetch-Byram Drought Index of 575 or greater. During the December fireworks season, restrictions are also possible in specified areas with extremely hazardous rural conditions. Critically, a county burn ban under §352.081 does not by itself ban fireworks; counties can only ban all fireworks by declaring a local disaster, which requires the governor's authorization. Sales of consumer fireworks are governed by Texas Occupations Code Ch. 2154 and the State Fire Marshal. Fireworks remain illegal inside city limits in Fort Worth, Arlington, and most Tarrant cities regardless of county status.
Violation of a §352.051 fireworks restriction order: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Burn ban violations: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500 (Tarrant County Fire Marshal). Selling fireworks without proper license under Occ. Code Ch. 2154 carries separate civil and criminal penalties.
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