Burn bans in Texas

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In Texas, each county can declare a burn ban because of drought or fire risk. They are declared by the county Commissioners Court for periods of up to 90 days, and they are frequent in Bexar and neighboring counties. The Texas A&M Forest Service publishes an up-to-date map of counties under a ban.

Before you build any outdoor fire, check the Texas A&M Forest Service burn ban map and the county website.
In Bexar, the November 2025 order prohibits outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the county, with very limited exceptions (for example, household trash in a barrel with wire mesh). Violating it is a Class C misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $500.
Inside the city of San Antonio, the fire code and the rules of the Fire Department (SAFD) also apply; open fires on urban lots are generally not allowed.
Orders may not mention grills; when in doubt, ask the county Fire Marshal before cooking over a fire.
In state and national parks, park rules apply on top of county rules. Ask at the entrance.