Texarkana, TX Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Texarkana, 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
- Base rule
- Open burning banned without permit
- Recreational fire exception
- No permit if in approved container
- Burn ban override
- Fire chief can ban all outdoor fires
- Max penalty
- $2,000 per day, per violation
- Wind limit for permitted burns
- Must stop between 6-23 mph
Summary
Texarkana prohibits all open burning within city limits unless permitted, and the fire chief can declare a citywide burn ban making all outdoor burning illegal, regardless of any standing permit.
No person may cause, suffer, or allow any open burning within the city limits, except as allowed by permit, recreational fires and firefighter training as specified in this chapter. ... The fire chief, in the fire chiefs sole discretion, may declare a burn ban for the city. Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, while a burn ban declared under this section is in effect it shall be unlawful for any person to conduct any outdoor burning of any kind.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 18-14 bans open burning citywide except for permitted burns, recreational fires in an approved container (chimney, fire pit, or outdoor fireplace), and firefighter training. Recreational fires need no permit but must use approved containers, burn only clean firewood or charcoal, and stay under three feet in flame height. Commercial land-clearing and residential maintenance burning need a fire department permit and must stop when wind exceeds 23 mph. Under Sec. 18-93, the fire chief can declare a burn ban at any time, which suspends every recreational-fire exception and makes all outdoor burning illegal citywide, permit or not.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 18-14 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 per day in municipal court; each day of continued burning counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire or fire pit in Texarkana without a permit?
What happens to my burn permit if the city declares a burn ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
How Texarkana compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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