Nolan County Burn Ban Definition

Nolan County ban on “open burning” is defined as any outdoor fire that may create a public safety hazard, including but not limited to:

• Barrel burning commonly referred to as refuse/garbage burning
• Campfires
• Charcoal grills
• Chimineas
• Cooking fires (barbeque grills and pits that are in the ground)
• Fire pits
• Fire rings
• Fireworks (except for professional commercial fireworks displays)
• Patio heaters
• Prescribed burns commonly referred to as controlled burns
• Welders or cutting torches unless the user has on hand adequate fire suppression equipment.

"Open burning” does not include:

• Fireplaces within buildings
• Gas grills
• Fire training by professionally trained and authorized personnel

Smoking (cigarette butts, cigars, etc.) is not banned; however, proper disposal containers such as ashtrays must be used. Citizens are requested to follow their users manual and manufacturer information as well as taking safety precautions such as having an appropriate fire extinguisher, water, and shovel available.

Citizens should understand that it may be illegal, and unsafe, to engage in outdoor burning even when a burn ban is not in effect. All outdoor burning must comply with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rules, and incorporated cities may have ordinances that you must comply with. To view TCEQ rules click here.

If outdoor burning operations are conducted, it is recommended that individuals take proper safety precautions such as having an appropriate fire extinguisher, water, and shovel available.

The Nolan County Sheriff's Office and Sweetwater Fire Department encourages citizens conducting outdoor burning operations to contact the Sheriff's Office at 325-235-5471 or their local fire department and log the burn. This will help 9-1-1 dispatchers determine whether to send the fire department if a fire is reported at your address. Burning is not allowed during windy conditions.

Citizens should understand the following liabilities when engaging in outdoor burning:

• Violation of a Burn Ban can result in a fine up to $500.
• Violation of TCEQ rules may result in one (1) year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.
• A fire that damages property belonging to another (e.g. a grass fire that crosses a property line) can result in a fine up to $500, and court ordered restitution.
• Outdoor burning that results in death, injury, or damages a building belonging to another may result in two (2) years in state jail, a fine up to $10,000 and court ordered restitution.
• A court may find that you have additional criminal and civil liability