Know the Rules

Whether you are thinking about a campfire or burning some brush, make sure you know what is allowed in your area. There are two categories to consider: open burning and recreational fires.

Obtaining a Burn Permit

Open burning is allowed within the City of Mineral Wells with a permit. To receive a burn permit, please see below.

1. Please check the Palo Pinto Co. Home Page to see if a county wide BURN BAN is in effect. http://www.co.palo-pinto.tx.us/page/palopinto.home

2. Contact the Mineral Wells Police/Fire Dispatch Office (940-328-7770) before 10am and request a burn permit to burn on that day. DO NOT CALL THE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE OR THE FIRE STATIONS FOR A BURN PERMIT.

3. The dispatcher will then contact the on-duty Fire Department Captain. He/she will contact you to schedule a time to inspect your burn pile and issue a permit.

BURNING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS WITHOUT A PERMIT IS PROHIBITED AND A CITATION WILL BE ISSUED TO THOSE INVOLVED.

A Burn Permit will be issued, depending on weather conditions, and following inspection by Fire Department Personnel, prior to the start of the authorized burn.

      a. Burn piles will be kept at a minimum of 50 feet distance from any structure.

      b. ALL fires must be out 1 hr. before dusk.

      c. A water supply/garden hose must be accessible.

      d. You must stay with the burn pile throughout the burning process until finished.

Recreational Fires

Recreational fires are "an outdoor fire, burning materials other than rubbish, where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and has a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes." Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure, unless the fire is contained within an approved container.

Bonfires are reviewed by our office on a case-by-case basis.

Prohibited Open Burning

Open burning that is offensive or objectionable, due to smoke or odor emissions, when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited. Fire Department officials are authorized to order the extinguishing by the permit holder or the Fire Department of open burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.