Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Hidalgo County, TX Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Outdoor burning rules in Hidalgo 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

Permit required for
Burning brush
ID required
One form of I.D.
Permit hours
M-F 8-11:30, 1-4
Payment
Cash, check, money order
State rules
30 TAC Chapter 111

Summary

Outdoor burning in unincorporated Hidalgo County is governed by Chapter 111 of the Texas Administrative Code and requires a burn permit from the Fire Marshal to burn brush. Burning is suspended countywide whenever the Commissioners Court declares a burn ban.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hidalgo County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Burn permits must be obtained in order to burn brush. One form of I.D. is required to obtain a burn permit.

Full Breakdown

The Hidalgo County Fire Marshal's Office administers outdoor burning under Chapter 111 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code. Per the office, 'Burn permits must be obtained in order to burn brush. One form of I.D. is required to obtain a burn permit.' Since May 27, 2014, the office has charged for permits. Permits are issued at 2814 S. Business Hwy 281, Edinburg, weekdays 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; payment is cash, check, or money order. State rules require burning between one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, prohibit winds below six mph or above 23 mph, and require an attendant.

Violations & Fines

Burning without a required permit, or during an active burn ban, may be cited. A burn-ban order violation is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn brush in Hidalgo County?
Yes. The Fire Marshal states burn permits must be obtained to burn brush, and one form of ID is required. The office has charged for permits since May 27, 2014, and they are issued weekday mornings and afternoons.
Where do I get a burn permit?
At the Fire Marshal's Office, 2814 S. Business Hwy 281, Edinburg, Monday-Friday 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Payment is cash, check, or money order; no credit cards. Call (956) 318-2656.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hidalgo County

All Hidalgo County rules

How Hidalgo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Hidalgo County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview

Get notified when Outdoor Burning in Hidalgo County, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Outdoor Burning in Cities Across Hidalgo County