Call Bexar County Fire Marshal (210-335-0300) before burning at any time. Even when the burn ban has been lifted and no formal permit is issued, it is necessary to check with the Fire Marshal to see if burning is allowed or restricted on a given day. Burning is not allowed on an Ozone Alert Day. Burning is not allowed on windy days. Burning may have restriction requiring extinguishment by a certain time on a given day. Moisture from a recent rain shower is only effective for about one hour, so do not assume that rain makes burning permissible. Some types of materials are never allowed to be burned. All fires are to be extinguished prior to 5:00 pm any day.
If you burn outside on a restricted day, you will be doing an unauthorized burn and the fire department will respond. We issue only requests to the resident for extinguishment, and will assist in extinguishment if needed. If citizens refuse to extinguish, we will extinguish the fire if directed to do so by the Fire Marshal.
Sometimes Sherrif's officers will also respond. They won't extinguish the fire, but may issue citations for burning on a restricted day. Protect youself--call Fire Marshal first.
When burning is allowed by the Fire Marshal, you should have small piles and add material slowly, have a substantial water source immediately available, and clear a fire break ring around the fire down to mineral earth.
Check Burn Ban Map Map of counties with burn bans
Outdoor Burning Legislation: Local Government Code; Chapter 352; County Fire Protection; Subchapter D.
Debris Burning SafetyTips from Texas Forest Service
Outdoor Burning Rules from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Last Updated:Wednesday, 27-Aug-2008 15:00:25 EDT
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