Texas burn bans › Sterling County
Is there a burn ban in Sterling County, Texas today?
No. As of July 25, 2026, Sterling County, Texas does not have a countywide burn ban in Texas A&M Forest Service data. Normal state outdoor burning rules (TCEQ) still apply, and conditions can change quickly in dry weather.
What a burn ban would mean in Sterling County
A county burn ban prohibits or restricts outdoor burning — burning household trash, brush piles, leaves, fields, and open campfires — while drought conditions make wildfires likely. When no ban is active, outdoor burning is still regulated statewide by TCEQ outdoor burning rules — see our Texas outdoor burning guide.
Common exceptions (set by each county's order)
- Outdoor cooking on propane/LP-gas grills or enclosed cooking appliances is usually allowed.
- Welding, cutting, and grinding may be restricted or require precautions such as a spotter, cleared ground, and water on hand — some counties require a permit. See welding during burn bans.
- Burns authorized for public health and safety (e.g., firefighter training, certain agricultural or utility operations) may be exempt under state law.
The exact exceptions come from the Sterling County order text — when in doubt, call the county before lighting anything.
Penalties for violating a burn ban
Under Texas Local Government Code §352.081, violating a county burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. If your fire escapes and damages property, you can also face civil liability — and in serious cases, additional criminal charges such as arson or reckless damage.
Neighboring county status
| County | Status today |
|---|---|
| Coke County | BURN BAN |
| Glasscock County | BURN BAN |
| Howard County | No ban |
| Mitchell County | No ban |
| Reagan County | BURN BAN |
| Tom Green County | BURN BAN |
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a burn ban in Sterling County right now?
- No. As of July 25, 2026, Sterling County does not have a countywide burn ban per Texas A&M Forest Service data. Statewide TCEQ outdoor burning rules still apply.
- What is the penalty for violating a burn ban in Sterling County?
- Violating a county burn ban order is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Local Government Code §352.081, punishable by a fine of up to $500. You can also be held civilly liable if a fire you start damages someone else's property.
- Can I use a propane grill during a Sterling County burn ban?
- In most Texas counties, yes — burn ban orders typically target open flames and combustible debris burning, and most orders specifically allow outdoor cooking on propane (LP gas) grills or enclosed cooking devices. However, the exact exceptions are set by each county's order, so check Sterling County's order text or call the county fire marshal or sheriff's office.
- Who issues and lifts burn bans in Sterling County?
- The Sterling County Commissioners Court (led by the county judge) adopts burn ban orders under Texas Local Government Code §352.081 when drought conditions create a wildfire hazard. An order can last up to 90 days at a time and can be renewed or lifted early when conditions improve.
- How would I find out if Sterling County enacts a burn ban?
- This page is updated every day from the Texas A&M Forest Service statewide dataset, so a new Sterling County ban will appear here within a day of TFS recording it. You can also sign up for our free email alert or check with the Sterling County fire marshal or sheriff's office.
Data source: Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban dataset, checked daily. This page was generated with live data on July 25, 2026 at 10:42 AM CDT.