NOTICE: As of October 28, 2011, the countywide outdoor burn ban, in effect since July 1, 2011, has been rescinded. A permit is required before any outdoor burning is allowed. Please review the rules and procedures to follow to apply for an outdoor burn permit.

How the Burn Ban affects Collin County Residents

A Burn Ban is in effect for all unincorporated areas of Collin County. These areas have been determined to be under drought conditions by the Texas Forest Service and the Collin County Fire Marshal requested a Ban on Outdoor Burning in an effort to protect lives and properties of the residents in Collin County.

What does the burn ban include?

All outdoor burning of natural vegetation, trees and limbs for all residents -- including those with burn permits -- is prohibited until the burn ban is lifted. The ban lasts for 90 days, went into effect on July 1, and can be rescinded or extended depending on drought conditions. Please check back often for updates.

Can I cook outdoors during a burn ban?

Many Collin County residents have expressed concerned about how a burn ban affects their plans to cook outdoors. The answer is, “yes.” The Collin County Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents to use common sense when cooking outdoors during a burn ban. Here are a few guidelines to follow for outdoor cooking in order to keep you safe:

• Gas grills are the safest outdoor cooking option. Please keep the flames covered during the operation of your gas grill;
• If you want to use a charcoal or wood-burning grill, it must be placed on a concrete, gravel or dirt surface well away (10 feet) from any combustible materials.  Please keep the cover on the grill during use;
• Keep a screen on top of all fires to reduce the potential for escaping embers;
• Smokers can be used if they are placed on a concrete, gravel, or dirt surface well away (10 feet) from combustible materials. Keep the flames covered during use;
• Never leave a hot grill unattended.

Be sure to have a water source like a bucket of water or a garden hose, or fire extinguisher nearby so you can easily extinguish a small ground fire in case of an emergency.

How can I protect my farm/ranch property against wildfires?

• Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around your house and outbuildings. Keep grass (both green and dormant) closely mowed. Space trees wide apart and prune lower tree branches well up from the ground. Keep tall grass, brush and trees out from under utility lines to protect essential services. Make sure roads and driveways are passable by wide vehicles in all types of weather, and that bridges are strong enough to support heavy water-laden fire trucks. Make your home address easily visible and include both your house number and street name in your address.
• Establish fuel breaks along roadways and between buildings and fields or woodlands.
• Monitor hay-baling operations closely. Check for hot bearings or hay caught in rollers. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
• Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up. Check with the Collin County Fire Marshal to determine if all restrictions on outdoor burning have been lifted.

Should I have an evacuation plan for wildfires?

Be ready for the possibility of a wildland fire before it happens with a few precautions in place to get you and your family out of harm’s way safely.

• Prepare and practice an evacuation plan that includes a meeting place incase family members are separated;
• Pack critical medicines, important documents, family heirlooms to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice;
• Remember your life is more important than items in your home

What’s a safe way to use lawn equipment and motor vehicles during a burn ban?

• Keep mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment in proper working order, and watch out for rocks and metal when bush hogging or mowing;
• Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall, dry grass can come into contact with hot pollution control equipment under your vehicle.

What about welding during a burn ban?

Where welding must be performed in open areas, the following efforts will be in force until the Ban on Outdoor Burning has expired:

• All areas where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed will be free of vegetation for at least twenty-five feet in all directions;
• Surface around welding area will be wetted down;
• Winds speeds must be no more than 15 mph while performing welding, cutting or grinding operations outside of barriers or enclosures;
• A dedicated fire watch person will standby at each welder, cutter, grinder and operation any activity that causes a spark;
• A minimum of one (1) water pressure fire extinguisher per fire watch person is required;
• Each site will have cellular telephone communications for emergency response.