The Denton County Commissioners Court approved a county-wide burn ban that took effect on August 25, 2026. The order prohibits the outdoor burning of combustible materials, including wood, leaves, and brush, as well as the reckless discarding of lighted items. This restriction applies to all private property and outdoor environments within the county.
The ban will remain in place until the State of Disaster is terminated by the Commissioners Court or the County Judge determines that drought conditions have improved due to sufficient precipitation. Exceptions to the ban may only be authorized by the Commissioners Court or the County Judge.
While professional fireworks displays using 1.3G fireworks may be permitted if conditions are appropriate, recreational 1.4G fireworks are not banned by this order but are strongly discouraged.
Outdoor cooking with open flame devices is generally prohibited under the new rules. An exception exists for propane or natural gas devices that have a complete enclosure used at all times. Wood or charcoal cooking devices are permitted only if they have a full enclosure and the surrounding area is cleared of vegetation and combustible materials for a five-foot radius.
Specific safety measures are required for open hotwork activities such as welding, cutting, or grinding. These operations must be performed in areas free of combustibles for at least thirty feet in all directions. Wind speeds must not exceed 15 miles per hour, and relative humidity must be above 25 percent.
Each site must have the ability to call 911 and assign a dedicated fire watch person to each worker. Additionally, a minimum of one water pressure fire extinguisher or pressurized water source is required per fire watch person.
