Tulsa, OK Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Tulsa, 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
- Permit required
- Operational permit from Fire Marshal
- Exception
- Recreational fires on private property
- Public property
- Always needs a permit, no exception
- Max fine
- $1,200 per offense
Summary
Open burning anywhere in Tulsa is a misdemeanor unless the fire code official first issues an operational permit, with a narrow exception for small recreational fires on private property.
105.6.32 Open Burning-Amendatory. It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor offense for any person to kindle or maintain an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground within the corporate limits of the City of Tulsa, without first having procured an operational permit from the fire code official. Instructions and stipulations prescribed in the permit shall be strictly adhered to.
Exception: Recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces in use on privately-owned property, which do not require an operational permit. Recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces on any public street, alley, road, park, or right-of-way or any other public land are considered to be open burning and a violation of this subsection and shall require an operational permit.
Full Breakdown
Tulsa Fire Code § 105.6.32 makes it a misdemeanor to kindle or maintain an open fire on any public or private ground in the city without an operational permit from the fire code official. The code carves out one exception: recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces used on privately-owned property don't need a permit. But the same activities on a street, alley, road, park, or other public right-of-way count as open burning and do require one. Permit terms set by the fire marshal must be followed exactly.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under § 110.4: fine up to $1,200 plus costs, or up to 6 months in jail, or both; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire pit in Tulsa without a permit?
Do I need a permit to burn in a city park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
How Tulsa compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Tulsa to another location·View the Oklahoma fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle outdoor burning.