If a fire appears to be out of control or a danger to life and property, call 9-1-1

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.

The outdoor burning must not create a nuisance condition or a traffic hazard.

A citizen may burn domestic waste if garbage collection is not provided by a municipality or utility district. Domestic wastes include waste that normally results from the function of life within a residence and include: kitchen garbage, untreated lumber, cardboard boxes, packaging (including plastics, rubber), clothing, grass, leaves, and branch trimmings. Burning may occur only on properties used exclusively as a private residence, not housing more than 3 families.

On-site burning of trees, brush, grass, leaves, branch trimmings, and other plant growth by the property owner or authorized agent is allowed if there is no practical alternative. Because of the air quality issues in Harris County, TCEQ Region 12 will generally require a practical alternative. Only TCEQ may determine if a practical alternative exists. If there is no practical alternative, then the material must be generated from the property on which the burning occurs, generated as a result of right-of-way maintenance, land clearing operations, or maintenance along water canals.

Law Enforcement in Harris County, to include the Fire Marshal's Office, is incapable of enforcing outdoor burning regulations except during burn bans by the Harris County Commissioners' Court. The guidelines below should be followed regarding Outdoor Burning Complaints.  Champions ESD is NOT an enforcement agency.

During a declared burn ban, local law enforcement and the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office can issue citations and assist in enforcing fire extinguishment.

FIRE SAFETY HAZARDS

Cannot burn if wind speeds are above 23 miles per hour

•        Burning or smoke cannot create a traffic hazard

•        Burning after dark

•        Unattended burning

•        Burning that is likely to result in uncontrolled fire spread

NUISANCE BURNING

Cannot burn during a low-level temperature inversion (smoke stays low to the ground).

•        Wind speed must be at least 6 miles per hour to dissipate smoke

•        Cannot burn within 300 feet of sensitive receptors

•        Burning cannot create a nuisance

•        Cannot burn prohibited items, including but not limited to :

• Electrical insulation, Treated lumber, Plastic
• Non-wooden construction or demolition materials
• Oils and asphalt materials
• Explosives
• Chemical waste
• Natural or synthetic rubber

Click here to report illegal burning or nuisance burning.  

Website:  pcs.harriscountytx.gov

Phone: (713) 920-2831

Fax Number: (713) 274-6475

Or, to file a complaint via email, send an email to: pollution.control@pcs.hctx.net