A burn ban is a temporary county order prohibiting or restricting outdoor burning — trash, brush, campfires, and field burning — during drought conditions that create wildfire danger. In Texas, bans are issued county by county under Local Government Code §352.081.

How long do Texas burn bans last?

Up to 90 days per order. Counties can lift a ban early after rainfall or renew it repeatedly during extended drought.

What is the fine for violating a burn ban in Texas?

Violating a county burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, plus potential civil liability if your fire causes damage.

Does a burn ban stop me from grilling?

Usually no. Most county orders allow cooking on propane (LP-gas) grills or enclosed cooking appliances. Open charcoal fires and campfires are commonly prohibited. Check your specific county's order.

Is there a statewide burn ban in Texas?

No. Texas burn bans are enacted county by county by each commissioners court, so status varies across the state on any given day.

Texas burn bans › What Is a Burn Ban? Texas County Burn Bans Explained

What is a burn ban, and how do Texas burn bans work?

By Burn Ban Texas · Updated July 25, 2026 · 86 of 254 Texas counties currently have a burn ban

A burn ban is a temporary county order that prohibits or restricts outdoor burning because drought conditions make wildfires dangerously likely. In Texas, burn bans are adopted county by county — there is no single statewide ban — which is why 86 counties can be under a ban today while their neighbors are not.

Who issues a burn ban in Texas?

The county commissioners court (the county's governing body, led by the county judge) issues burn bans under Texas Local Government Code §352.081. The court may act when the Texas A&M Forest Service determines drought conditions exist, or based on local conditions. In a declared disaster, the county judge can also act.

What does a burn ban prohibit?

Burning household trash or domestic waste outdoors
Burning brush piles, leaves, and cleared vegetation
Open campfires and bonfires
Field and pasture burning

Most orders make exceptions for cooking on propane grills or enclosed appliances, and for burns authorized under state law for public health and safety (such as firefighter training or certain utility and agricultural operations). Some counties also restrict welding and cutting outdoors, or require precautions. Every county writes its own order, so the details vary.

How long does a burn ban last?

A burn ban order can last up to 90 days at a time. Commissioners courts commonly lift bans early after significant rainfall, or renew them repeatedly through long droughts. That is why checking current status matters — a ban that existed last month may already be lifted, or a new one enacted.

What is the penalty?

Violating a burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. Separately, if your fire escapes, you can be civilly liable for the damage it causes, and reckless cases can bring more serious charges.

How do I check if my county has a burn ban?

The Texas A&M Forest Service maintains the authoritative statewide list, updated as counties report. Our county-by-county status page republishes that data every day with a page for each of the 254 counties, including neighboring-county status and email alerts when your county's status changes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a burn ban?: A burn ban is a temporary county order prohibiting or restricting outdoor burning — trash, brush, campfires, and field burning — during drought conditions that create wildfire danger. In Texas, bans are issued county by county under Local Government Code §352.081.
How long do Texas burn bans last?: Up to 90 days per order. Counties can lift a ban early after rainfall or renew it repeatedly during extended drought.
What is the fine for violating a burn ban in Texas?: Violating a county burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, plus potential civil liability if your fire causes damage.
Does a burn ban stop me from grilling?: Usually no. Most county orders allow cooking on propane (LP-gas) grills or enclosed cooking appliances. Open charcoal fires and campfires are commonly prohibited. Check your specific county's order.
Is there a statewide burn ban in Texas?: No. Texas burn bans are enacted county by county by each commissioners court, so status varies across the state on any given day.