Travis County Has Lifted Its Burn Ban: Outdoor Burning Is Allowed Again in Unincorporated Areas, With Rules

Travis County is no longer under a burn ban. The county fire marshal's office lifted the ban for the unincorporated parts of the county on Nov. 3, and the lift is on the official record: the Travis County Clerk's posted judges orders include the "Order Lifting Outdoor Burning 11/3/2026." For residents outside city limits who have been holding brush piles through the dry stretch, the answer is yes again — with conditions.

"Recent weather conditions have improved moisture levels and lowered the risk of wildfires across Travis County, allowing us to lift the burn ban," said Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell. "Although conditions have improved, outdoor burning still carries risks. We encourage residents to continue exercising caution and following safe burning practices to help prevent accidental fires."

Outdoor burning of trash, debris or brush is now allowed in the unincorporated areas, and it must comply with state regulations — the Texas Administrative Code rules at 30 TAC 111.219. Officials recommend keeping water or a fire extinguisher nearby while burning and calling 911 immediately if a fire becomes out of control. Residents should contact their local fire department before conducting outdoor burning and obtain any required permits; for help determining which fire department to notify, the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office can be reached at 512-854-4621.

The timing cuts both ways heading into the weekend: the ground is moist now, and the station's live weather feed carries rain arriving Saturday and peaking Sunday, which will keep conditions damp — but a lifted ban is a local decision that can change again as conditions dry. Residents can sign up for burn-ban updates by texting TCBURNBAN to 888777.