Tarrant County, TX Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Current Burn Ban
- Not active
- County Authority
- TX Loc. Gov. Code §352.051
- Drought Trigger
- KBDI 575+
- Restricted Items
- Skyrockets, missiles
- Sale Regulation
- TX Occ. Code Ch. 2154
- Fine
- Up to $500 (Class C)
Summary
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.
Burn Ban: When Tarrant County is under imminent threat of severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from the threat of wildfires due to drought conditions, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court will approve a ban on outdoor burning for a period of 90 days. During this time no open flames, sparks or embers are allowed. For our residents in the rural areas, we strongly suggest that you make sure you keep an area of approximately 30 feet mowed around your home and out buildings to prevent a fire from reaching your structures. A violation of the Court Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning is a Class C Misdemeanor and punishable of a fine up to $500. Review the guidelines for outdoor cooking and outdoor welding during burn bans or contact the Tarrant County Fire Marshal's Office. If sufficient amounts of rainfall occur during a burn ban, the Tarrant County Fire Marshal may request a repeal of the burn ban.
Full Breakdown
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. 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. 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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot fireworks in unincorporated Tarrant County right now?
What fireworks can the county actually ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
How Tarrant County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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