Galveston County, TX Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Galveston 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.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- LGC 352.081 + TCEQ 30 TAC 111
- Ban duration
- Up to 90 days
- Trigger
- Drought or fire hazard
- Household trash
- Burning generally prohibited
- Cities
- Open burning largely banned
Summary
Outdoor burning is allowed in unincorporated Galveston County only when no burn ban is active and only within TCEQ limits. The commissioners court can prohibit outdoor burning during drought or hazardous fire conditions.
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.
Full Breakdown
Texas outdoor burning is governed by TCEQ rules (30 TAC Ch. 111) plus the county's burn-ban power under Local Government Code 352.081. That statute lets the commissioners court, by order, prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in all or part of the unincorporated county during drought or when dangerous fire conditions exist; such orders last up to 90 days. Galveston County regularly enacts bans during dry spells. Even without a ban, TCEQ prohibits burning trash or bringing off-site waste to burn, and burning must avoid creating a traffic or air hazard. Cities such as Galveston bar most open burning under their own fire codes.
Violations & Fines
Burning while a county order is in effect is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. TCEQ violations carry separate state environmental penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is outdoor burning legal in unincorporated Galveston County?
How long can a burn ban last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Galveston County
How Galveston County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Galveston County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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