Oklahoma City, OK Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Oklahoma City, OK, 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 section
- § 20-53, City Code
- Permit required
- all open burning citywide
- Non-residential fee
- $127.50-$170 (FY25-27)
- Residential ≥1 acre
- permit fee waived
- Violation penalty
- Class "a" offense (§ 20-27)
Summary
Oklahoma City requires a fire permit before any open burning citywide, though burns on residential lots of one acre or more are fee-exempt under the adopted International Fire Code.
No person shall burn on any property within the City limits of Oklahoma City without first meeting the requirements for and obtaining a permit as required by the International Fire Code, 2015 Edition as amended by the City Council of Oklahoma City. No fee as described in Chapter 60 of this Code shall be collected for permits authorizing a burn on residential areas one acre or greater in size.
(Ord. No. 22223, § 1, 5-28-03; Ord. No. 22550, § 1, 9-28-04, eff. 12-28-04; Ord. No. 24828, § 4, 2-25-14, eff. 5-1-14; Ord. No. 26627, § 1, 12-22-20)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 20-53 requires a burn permit under the adopted International Fire Code before anyone burns on any property within city limits: there's no blanket right to burn brush, leaves, or debris outdoors. The Fire Marshal's Office issues the permits; Chapter 60's fire fee schedule sets a $127.50 non-residential open-burning permit fee for FY2025-26 (rising to $170.00 by FY2027), but burns on residential parcels of one acre or more carry no fee. Skipping the permit is a Chapter 20 violation.
Violations & Fines
Burning without the required permit is a Class "a" offense under § 20-27; a second or subsequent conviction escalates to a Class "b" offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or brush in my backyard in Oklahoma City?
How much does an open burning permit cost in OKC?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
How Oklahoma City compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Oklahoma City to another location·View the Oklahoma fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle outdoor burning.