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1. I have obtained a burning registration/permit. Do I still have to call the county to report my burn?

Yes. You have to call the county or view the Controlled Burn Log website to find out if it is a good burn day. Occasionally, controlled burns will be prohibited due to the danger of wildland fire and/or for purposes of protecting air quality. The decision to allow or restrict controlled burning is made each morning and not before. During ozone season, additional restrictions may apply.

Secondly, the information we record about where you are burning and how to contact you is accessible by the County’s 9-1-1 dispatchers. In the event someone phones 9-1-1 to report smoke or flames, the dispatchers can check the burn log for the area. We are attempting to alleviate costly and unnecessary trips made by the local fire departments. However, if a fire department is dispatched to your location and you have your permit, have logged your burn with us, and are burning appropriate materials, you have done all you can do to prevent the emergency response. Sometimes these responses are unavoidable.

2. When would a recreational fire be prohibited? Do I have to report a recreational fire? Is a registration/permit required for a recreational fire?

During a county-wide burn ban (aka Order Restricting Open Burning) or Disaster Declaration due to drought conditions or periods of high fire danger, recreational fires is strictly prohibited.

When a burn ban has been lifted, recreational fires are allowed with certain restrictions. Bonfires do require a permit that is used one time. Campfires, fires restricted to 2 feet by 2 feet in size do not require permits nor do you have to report them to the county.

As a courtesy, you can alert your local fire department. Please be mindful of your smoke in evening hour burns; winds usually die down in the evening and campfire smoke does not disperse into the atmosphere as easily and can offend your neighbors.

3. What if I am uncomfortable with the wind speed on a “good burn day”?

Along with other conditions considered, controlled burning can be allowed when wind speeds are between 6 and 23 miles per hour. If you are uncomfortable with the wind speeds or if you have any concerns about the safety of executing a controlled burn even though the determination has been made to allow controlled burning, by all means, do not begin a fire. Wind speeds can vary in different areas of the county. However, the decision to allow or restrict burning must apply to the entire county. Always use your own good judgment and never begin a fire that you feel you may not be able to control.

4. Can I call the Sheriff’s office to report my controlled burn?

No, please call 940-349-2840.

5. How do I report a neighbor who is violating burning regulations? What if it is not an emergency?

Call 911 to report burning violations. Any time you have concerns about a fire close to your home, structures, or near animals, contact the 911 dispatchers. Let them decide whether or not to send the fire department. Your call may be one of several calls received about the same fire and can influence the decision regarding extinguishment. If someone else’s smoke is causing you discomfort, it is within your right to ask to have the burn stopped, if it is possible to do so. Be a courteous neighbor and expect no less from your neighbors.

6. How far away from my house must my fire be?

The burn site must be a least 300 feet from residential, recreational, commercial, or industrial areas, except if located on the property where the burn is to take place. On your own property, fires in approved containers that are not less than 25 feet from a structure are allowable.

7. What are the consequences of burning on a No Burn Day?

Burning on a “no-burn day” is illegal and you can be fined.

8. What are the consequences of burning illegal materials?

Burning prohibited materials in a controlled burn is punishable by fines ranging from $250 to $2000 or more and possible incarceration.

9. Am I liable if my controlled burn accidentally damages another person’s property?

Yes! Damage resulting from a fire that you begin is your responsibility. If the property is damaged or a life is lost because of a fire you started, you can be responsible for damages, fined heavily, and/or incarcerated. There may be criminal and civil charges filed.

10. Is a registration/permit required for outdoor welding?

Permits are required for outdoor welding only when a county-wide burn ban is in place for drought conditions or extreme fire danger

11. How will I know if it is a good burn day or if burning is prohibited?

Call 940-349-2840 and listen carefully to the voice mail message. It will guide you to learn if it is a “good burn day” and if so, will prompt you to leave your permit number, your name, your address, etc. When you call, you’ll hear, "Sorry, today is not a burn day. Thank you. Goodbye." or "Today is a burn day. Please record your information when prompted."

• At the tone, say your permit number and press the “#” (pound) key.
• At the tone, say your name and press the “#” (pound) key.
• At the tone, say your address including the nearest city then press the “#” (pound) key.
• At the tone, say your phone number and press the “#” (pound) key.
• At the tone, state what you will be burning and press the “#” (pound) key

You may also view the Controlled Burn page.

During the week when the Emergency Services Office is open, you may reach one of the staff members to answer questions or to log your burn. You may use the automated voice mail system during the week also. The Denton County Sheriff’s Office will no longer be taking calls regarding controlled burn information.