Outdoor burning rules in Bell 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.
Open burning of trash and yard waste is heavily restricted by state air rules and may be banned entirely by a Bell County burn ban during drought. When allowed, burns must be attended, set back from roads and property lines, and not create a nuisance.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules (30 TAC Ch. 111) generally prohibit outdoor burning statewide, with narrow exceptions such as on-site burning of household or agricultural yard waste where no practical alternative exists. Burning of electrical insulation, tires, treated lumber, plastics and heavy oils is never allowed. Under Local Government Code Sec. 352.081, the Bell County Commissioners Court may prohibit or restrict all outdoor burning in the unincorporated county when drought or hazardous fire conditions exist - this is the county 'burn ban.' Always verify the current burn-ban status with Bell County before burning. Inside Killeen, Temple or Belton, the city's fire code and any city burn restrictions apply.
Knowingly violating a county outdoor-burning order is a Class C misdemeanor. Illegal burning of prohibited materials can also draw TCEQ enforcement and penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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