Controlled Outdoor Burning Within City Limits

Controlled outdoor burning within city limits is permitted only with approval from the Fire Marshal or their designee, and it requires a permit. An onsite evaluation of the materials intended for burning must occur before the permit is issued.

To qualify for a permit, the property must meet the following criteria:

The minimum lot size for outdoor burning is one acre.
Commercial properties are generally ineligible for a burn permit, except for development purposes.
On-site land clearing is allowed on lots of two (2) acres or more, where the property owner intends to clear selected trees, brush, and other plant growth, subject to Fire Marshal approval.

Permit Fees for Approved Outdoor Burning:

Established Residential or Vacant Lots: $20.00 for 30 calendar days
HOA, POA, or established subdivision community burn lot: $40.00 for 30 calendar days
Commercial or Residential Development Property under developer control (2-10 acres): $200 for 30 calendar days
Commercial or Residential Development Property under developer control (>10 acres): $200 plus $20 for each additional acre over 10 for 30 calendar days

Note: Extensions may be granted if the permit’s duration was shortened due to weather conditions, state or county burn bans, extended red flag warnings, or other reasonable situations as determined by the Fire Marshal.

Permits will be approved as long as the applicant complies with all permit conditions, which include:

Allowable materials consist of trees or brush collected from the fire site, as well as new or used dimensional lumber that is free from paint, varnish, oils, stains, insect treatment, decay treatment, or resins not naturally found in the wood.
Burning leaves, peat, or any dense vegetation that does not ignite easily, as well as any man-made construction materials (including but not limited to oriented strand board, plywood, particle board, laminate beams, etc.) and all non-wood construction materials, is prohibited.
The fire must be at least 50 feet away from other combustible materials and structures.
A method for controlling the fire must be available (e.g., garden hose, extinguisher, heavy equipment).
The fire must be constantly monitored by someone aged 17 or older.
Burning hours are designated from sunrise to sunset.
Fires are not permitted if wind speeds are below 6 mph or exceed 23 mph.

If a Burn Ban is enacted during an active Burn Permit, the permit will be suspended until the ban is lifted.

The Fire Department will extinguish any non-permitted controlled burns, as well as permitted burns that do not comply with the permit requirements. Non-compliance may result in fines ranging from $100.00 to $2000.00 at the Municipal Judge's discretion. Failure to obtain a burn permit or non-compliance with an issued burn permit may lead to a permanent ban on outdoor burning.

For further information on controlled burning, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office, available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Controlled burn permits can be collected at the Burnet Central Fire Station, located at 2002 S. Water St., Burnet. Payment is accepted in cash or check only.

Alternatives to Controlled Burning

As an alternative to controlled burning, the City of Burnet provides a free drop-off site once a month for residents living within the city limits. This site is located at the Northeast Facility, 3675 FM 963. Proof of residency, such as a driver's license or a tax or utility bill, is required. For drop-off dates, please click here, click here.