Outdoor Burning Information

Outdoor burning, in general, is illegal in Harris County because it contributes to air pollution.

However, there are some exceptions in which burning is allowed. In those cases, the Outdoor Burning Rule has been designed to protect the environment and promote public health and safety.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) regulate outdoor burning according to TCEQ rules. Outdoor burning is only authorized through the TCEQ rules. Fire Marshals and Fire Chiefs do not have the authority to authorize outdoor burning. The Fire Marshal can, however, prohibit all outdoor burning when a Burn Ban is issued. Outdoor burning is not authorized when a Burn Ban has been issued unless specifically permitted by the TCEQ.