Garland County, AR Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Garland County, AR, 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
- Declared by
- Garland County Judge, by executive order
- Permit required during ban
- Yes, from county judge or fire coordinator
- Fine range
- $100.00 to $1,000.00 per violation
- Repeat offense
- Fine doubled
- Exempt
- Compliant industrial incinerators
Summary
The Garland County Judge can declare a burn ban countywide or for a specific area whenever dry conditions threaten public safety, and once one is in effect, open burning of leaves, trash or any combustible material in the unincorporated county is unlawful without a written permit.
During times of dry weather and resulting conditions which in the judgment of the county judge constitute a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens and property located within Garland County the county judge is hereby authorized to declare a burn ban. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to burn or cause to be burned any leaves, trash, forest vegetation, or any other combustible material of any kind or to permit any such fire for burning within the unincorporated areas of the county without a permit.
Full Breakdown
Garland County Code Sec. 25-31 lets the county judge declare a burn ban by executive order during dry weather that, in the judge's judgment, endangers public health, safety or property. Every declaration is released to local news media, states its duration and the geographic area covered, and the Arkansas Forestry Commission is notified. Outside a ban, Sec. 25-32 still requires the county judge or the fire service coordinator to sign off on open burning, after consulting the responding fire district; permitted burning must be attended at all times, kept out of high winds and off petroleum-based materials such as tires or roofing, limited to allowable yard waste, kept near a connected water hose, and controlled so smoke does not obstruct road vision.
Sec. A. 27-73-301 by reference. Sec. 25-34 exempts industrial incinerators that meet state pollution standards and county ordinances. Citations under Sec. A. A. A. 5-38-302).
Violations & Fines
Sec. 25-36 sets a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for any violation of the burn ban article, doubled for each repeat offense. Citations are issued against the property owner or business responsible for the fire, and the Garland County Sheriff's Department retains authority to pursue separate state criminal charges for reckless or unlawful burning where warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who declares a burn ban in unincorporated Garland County?
Can I still burn yard waste during a burn ban?
What happens if my open burning creates smoke that blocks the road?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland County
How Garland County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Garland County to another location·View the Arkansas fire regulations overview
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