Outdoor burning rules in Tarrant 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.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Tarrant County is regulated by TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209 and Commissioners Court burn bans. Burning is often fully prohibited during drought and banned inside most cities.
Open burning in unincorporated Tarrant County is governed first by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rule 30 TAC 111.209, which generally prohibits outdoor burning but contains limited exceptions for on-site domestic waste, prescribed burns for land management, firefighter training, and certain agricultural operations. Exceptions require specific conditions including wind speeds below 23 mph, daylight hours, setbacks from structures and roads, and attended supervision. Under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 352, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court may adopt a burn ban when drought index thresholds are met. Burn bans are common during summer months and during elevated fire danger alerts from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Violating a county burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 under Local Gov Code 352.081. Most Tarrant County cities ban open burning year round.
Burn ban violation: Class C misdemeanor under TX Local Gov Code 352.081, fine up to $500. TCEQ rule violations: administrative penalties and cleanup orders. Reckless burns: arson exposure under Texas Penal Code.
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See how Tarrant County's outdoor burning rules stack up against other locations.
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