Fourteen Texas Counties Lifted Outdoor Burn Bans

Recent rainfall and lower temperatures across the region have prompted officials to ease fire restrictions.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Current Conditions

Fourteen Texas Counties Lifted Outdoor Burn Bans

Live Poll

Is it currently appropriate for your county to maintain outdoor burn restrictions?

Officials in 14 Central Texas counties have rescinded their outdoor burn bans following recent rains and cooler weather. Despite the change in these areas, 154 counties across the state remain under active burn restrictions.

Why it matters

The lifting of these bans reflects improved environmental conditions that have lowered wildfire risks in parts of the state. However, the majority of Texas counties continue to maintain fire safety measures to prevent potential blazes.

A total of 154 out of 254 Texas counties remain under outdoor burn bans. Fourteen counties, including those in Central Texas, have lifted their previous restrictions.

The players

Texas

Texas is the state overseeing wildfire safety regulations and the implementation of burn bans across its 254 counties.

The details

Local authorities in counties such as McLennan, Bell, Brazos, and Coryell moved to end the bans as wildfire dangers decreased. Residents in the 154 counties still under restrictions must continue to adhere to local fire codes or face potential fines.

The official status report on Texas burn bans was published on October 12, 2026.

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Seasonal Patterns

The adjustment of these restrictions follows the Texas Class-C Misdemeanor code for burn ban violations, which provides the legal framework for enforcement across the state. This move reflects a typical shift in wildfire management as seasonal temperatures fluctuate.

Residents in counties where bans remain in place must continue to avoid outdoor burning to stay in compliance with the law. Violating a burn ban constitutes a Class-C Misdemeanor and can result in fines reaching $500.

The takeaway

While conditions have improved in some areas, residents should always verify the status of fire restrictions with their local county office before conducting outdoor burns. Awareness of your county's current burn ban status is essential to ensuring safety and avoiding legal penalties.