Burn Rules

When a Declaration of Disaster regarding Fire Danger is in effect, NO burning, for any reason may be conducted outdoors.

When a burn ban is in effect, all outdoor burning, except for agricultural purposes, is prohibited.

When no burn ban is in effect, burning may be conducted; however, there are still several Texas laws that regulate outdoor burning. 

BURN RULES
(1) Burning must be conducted downwind of or at least 300 feet from any structure located on adjacent property, unless prior consent is obtained.
(2) PROHIBITED MATERIALS: Electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, non-wood construction/demolition materials, heavy oils, asphaltic materials, potentially explosive materials, chemical wastes, and items containing natural or synthetic rubber must NOT be burned.
(3) Burning must start no earlier than one hour after sunrise
(4) Burning must be completed no later than one hour before sunset.
(5) Burning shall not be conducted if wind speeds are less than 6 mph or greater than 23 mph.
(6) You must remain with the fire at all times, with a water source nearby.
LEGAL FIRES DURING A BURN BAN 
(1) BBQ fires are permitted as long as they are contained to a BBQ pit or fire ring.
a. Be sure to discard your coals and ashes safely by dousing them in water once finished cooking. Do NOT discard coals or ashes in a trashcan. Dispose of them in a non-flammable container.
(2) Trash: You are allowed to burn household trash as long as it is burned in a barrel with a screen top.
a. Be sure to stay out with the fire and have a water source nearby.
(3) Recreational Fires (i.e. campfires, fire pits) are allowed as long as they are kept in a “fire ring” to prevent spread of fire. These fires cannot be unattended, and you must keep a water source nearby. This does NOT include brush piles.
LEGAL OUTDOOR BURNING WHEN BURN BAN NOT IN EFFECT
If you are unsure if you can burn, you contact our office at (830) 303-8856.
(1) OK to burn domestic waste (household trash), from a single residence.
a. This does not include commercial waste
b. Other people are not allowed to bring their trash to your property to be burned.
(2) OK to burn diseased animal carcass when burning is the most effecting means of controlling the spread of disease.
(3) OK to burn plant growth.
(4) OK to burn crop residue
(5) OK to burn brush
(6) OK to burn non-treated wood
(7) OK Agricultural burns/ Prescribed Burns