Outdoor burning rules in Dallas, 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.
Open burning in Dallas requires a permit from the fire code official under Chapter 16 of the Dallas Fire Code. Open burning that is offensive due to smoke or hazardous due to atmospheric conditions is prohibited.
Dallas Fire Code Chapter 16 regulates outdoor burning. A permit must be obtained from the fire code official prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range management practices, open burning, air curtain incinerator operations, pit burning, trench burning, or bonfires. Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make fires hazardous is prohibited. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) also regulates outdoor burning under 30 TAC Chapter 111. Burning of garbage, treated lumber, plastics, and other prohibited materials is not allowed. Recreational fires in approved containers may be permitted under specific conditions.
Open burning without a permit violates the Dallas Fire Code. Violations carry fines up to $2,000. TCEQ may also pursue separate enforcement for air quality violations.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle outdoor burning.
See how Dallas's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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