Harris County, TX Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Harris 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
- Burn Ban Authority
- Commissioners Court
- BBQ/Cookouts
- Always allowed
- Enclosed Fires
- Allowed during burn bans
- TCEQ Rules
- 30 TAC Ch. 111 applies
- Ban Violation
- Class C misdemeanor, up to $500
Summary
All outdoor burning in unincorporated Harris County is prohibited during active burn bans enacted by Commissioners Court. Exceptions exist for enclosed fires, non-commercial cooking, TCEQ-authorized burns, approved ceremonial fires, and welding operations.
No person may cause, suffer, allow, or permit any outdoor burning within the State of Texas, except as (3) Landclearing operation—The uprooting, provided by this subchapter or by orders or permits of cutting, or clearing of vegetation in connection the commission. Outdoor disposal or deposition of any with conversion for the construction of buildings, material capable of igniting spontaneously, with the rights-of-way, residential, commercial, or industrial exception of the storage of solid fossil fuels, shall not development, or the clearing of vegetation to be allowed without written permission of the executive enhance property value, access, or production. director.
Full Breakdown
Harris County Commissioners Court can enact burn bans during drought conditions upon recommendation from the Fire Marshal's Office. During burn bans, all outdoor burning is prohibited with specific exceptions: (1) fires within an enclosure that contains all flames and sparks; (2) outdoor burning authorized by TCEQ; (3) approved ceremonial fires; (4) non-commercial cooking (backyard cookouts, barbecues); and (5) welding and 'hot work' performed per county fire code regulations. Outside of burn ban periods, outdoor burning in unincorporated Harris County must comply with TCEQ outdoor burning regulations (30 TAC Ch. 111), which generally allow burning of domestic waste, land clearing, and agricultural operations with conditions. The Houston-Galveston area's air quality restrictions under the Clean Air Act may also limit certain types of outdoor burning.
Violations & Fines
Burn ban violation: Class C misdemeanor, up to $500 fine. TCEQ violations: administrative penalties. Fires causing property damage: additional criminal liability under TX Penal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire in unincorporated Harris County?
Can I burn yard waste in unincorporated Harris County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
How Harris County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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