Outdoor burning rules in Travis County, TX — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Travis County is governed by TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and Commissioners Court burn ban orders. Burn bans are in effect most summers (typically May-October) when KBDI exceeds 575. Burning household garbage, construction debris, and wire insulation is prohibited year-round. Permits required for land-clearing burns.
TCEQ rule 30 TAC 111.219 prohibits burning of household waste, tires, construction materials, insulation, and any material producing black smoke. Only clean vegetative debris (branches, brush, leaves) may be burned, and only outside burn bans. Travis County Commissioners Court issues burn bans under HSC 352.081 when TAMU Forest Service drought index indicates elevated wildfire risk. Current status and burn ban history is posted at traviscountytx.gov. Burning must be 300+ feet from neighboring structures, attended continuously, with adequate suppression on hand, and conducted only when winds are under 15 mph. Gas/propane appliances are exempt. The Fire Marshal and TCSO enforce violations.
Violating burn ban: Class C misdemeanor, up to 500 dollar fine per day. Burning prohibited materials: TCEQ enforcement, fines up to 10,000 dollars per day. Fire escaping control: criminal mischief and civil liability for suppression costs.
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