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.
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.
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.
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.
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See how Harris County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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