If burning is allowed, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Chapter 111, Subchapter B, governs outdoor burning in the State of Texas. The Grayson County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds you that if you conduct an outside burn, you must observe the following requirements:
- Burn only in the unincorporated areas of Grayson County.
- YOU MUST CONTACT the Grayson County Communications Center at 903-813-4411 on the day you plan to burn to register your address and to confirm it is an allowable burn day. The Grayson County Communications is open 24/7.
- The party responsible for the burn must be present at all times and remains liable for damages.
- Begin burning no earlier than one hour after sunrise, and end the same day no later than one hour before sunset – NO BURNING AT NIGHT (does not include bonfire, camping fire, chimenea type fires).
- Make sure the smoke does not blow towards a neighbor’s house or onto a road.
- The burn must be downwind and at least 300 feet from structures containing sensitive receptors on adjacent properties.
- Only burn brush, tree limbs, grass clippings, leaves or household trash (kitchen trash). The material MUST be generated from the property. NO HAULING IN. NO BURNING OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, FURNITURE, HEAVY OILS OR CHEMICAL WASTES.
- No burning if wind speeds (either constant or gusts) are greater than or forecasted to be 23 mph or greater. It is your responsibility to know the current weather conditions and to determine if it is safe to conduct outdoor burning.
- We recommend burn barrels on blocks with top screens. Brush piles should have a clear space large enough to prevent fire spread. You need to have the ability and equipment to control and extinguish the fire.
- To conduct prescribed burns, you must contact the Grayson County Fire Marshal’s Office for approval.
To report someone illegally burning outdoors, call the Grayson County
Communications Center at 903-813-4411.
The authority to conduct outdoor burning under this regulation does not exempt or excuse any person responsible from the consequences, damages or injuries resulting from the burning and does not exempt or excuse anyone from complying with all other applicable laws or ordinances, regulations and orders of governmental entities having jurisdiction -- even though the burning is otherwise conducted in compliance with this regulation.
There are state laws and regulations governing outdoor burning. Failure to follow them can be a criminal offense and can result in civil liability. It is your responsibility to know and understand the law before you burn. You can be held responsible for injuries and/or property damaged by your actions. Fire Departments may charge for response for fires that are not in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Burn Ban
When Grayson County is under imminent threat of severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from the threat of wildfires due to drought conditions, the Grayson County Commissioners Court will approve a ban on outdoor burning for a period of up to 90 days. During this time no open flames, sparks or embers are allowed. For our residents in the rural areas, we strongly suggest that you make sure you keep an area of approximately 50 feet mowed around your home and out buildings to prevent a fire from reaching your structures. A violation of the Court Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning is a Class C Misdemeanor and punishable of a fine up to $500.
Accessibility Notice: Due to the nature of these documents, they are provided as scanned images. If you require assistance in accessing the information, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 903-813-4200 x 2283 or 2284
State of Texas Outdoor Burning Rules
Outdoor Burning Rules Guidance WC 2021-04