Mansfield Fire Marshal issues outdoor burn ban

Due to continued drought conditions, elevated fire danger and the increased threat of rapidly spreading grass and vegetation fires throughout North Texas, the Mansfield Fire Marshal has determined that additional restrictions on outdoor burning and certain open-flame activities are necessary to protect life and property within the City of Mansfield, beginning Aug. 26.

On Aug. 13, 2026, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court issued an Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County due to severe drought and wildfire conditions.

In consideration of those same regional conditions and in the interest of maintaining consistent fire safety precautions throughout the area, temporary outdoor burning restrictions are hereby placed into effect within the City of Mansfield.

Effective immediately, outdoor burning is prohibited within the City of Mansfield. No person shall ignite, cause to be ignited, or maintain an outdoor fire that produces an uncontrolled or exposed flame, spark, or ember capable of igniting combustible vegetation or other combustible materials.

This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:

Brush, tree limb, vegetation, or debris burning;

Bonfires;

Trench burning;

Land-clearing or construction-related burning;

Open burning associated with property maintenance; and

Any other outdoor burning not specifically permitted by this Order.

Any previously issued authorization or permit for outdoor burning may be suspended or revoked for the duration of this Order.

Outdoor cooking may continue at private residences provided that the cooking operation is conducted in a manner that prevents the escape of flames, sparks or embers.

Gas grills are strongly recommended during the period of elevated fire danger. Flames shall remain contained within the appliance during operation.

Charcoal grills, wood-burning grills, smokers and similar cooking appliances may be used only when:

The appliance is placed on a concrete, gravel, dirt or other noncombustible surface;

The appliance is located a minimum of 10 feet from combustible vegetation and other combustible materials;

Any provided lid or cover is maintained in place during operation to the extent practical;

The appliance is continuously attended while in use; and

A readily available means of extinguishment, such as a charged garden hose or adequate water supply, is immediately available.

Outdoor cooking shall also comply with all otherwise applicable requirements concerning grills and open-flame cooking devices, including restrictions applicable to combustible balconies, decks and combustible construction.

Outdoor fire pits and recreational fires may be permitted at a private residence only when conducted in an approved commercially manufactured appliance or permanently installed fire pit and when all applicable separation requirements are maintained. Fire pits shall be located on a noncombustible surface and maintained clear of combustible vegetation and materials.

Fires shall remain completely contained within the appliance, shall be constantly attended and an immediately available means of extinguishment shall be provided.

The Fire Marshal or any Mansfield Fire Rescue official may prohibit or order the extinguishment of any recreational fire or fire-pit operation when conditions create an unreasonable risk of fire spread.

Welding, cutting, grinding, brazing and other hot-work operations capable of producing sparks, slag or other ignition sources shall be conducted with heightened precautions during the period of this Order. A Hot Work Permit is required through the Fire Marshal's Office.

Outdoor hot work shall not be conducted in or immediately adjacent to dry grass, vegetation or other readily combustible materials unless those materials have been removed or adequately protected.

A suitable fire extinguisher and/or charged water hose shall be immediately available, and a fire watch shall be provided whenever required by the Fire Code Official. The Fire Marshal may suspend outdoor hot-work activities when site conditions, wind, vegetation or other circumstances create an unacceptable fire hazard.

Any outdoor activity involving open flames, pyrotechnics, model rockets, flame effects, ceremonial fires, or other activities capable of producing sparks, embers, or ignition sources are prohibited for the duration of this Order.

Property owners and occupants shall:

Maintain grass and vegetation in a manner that reduces the potential for rapid fire spread;

Remove accumulated dry vegetation and combustible debris from around structures;

Maintain adequate defensible space around homes, accessory buildings, fences and other structures;

and Keep an operable garden hose or other appropriate means of extinguishment readily available during permitted outdoor activities.

VIOLATIONS OF THIS ORDER

Any person, firm, corporation, contractor, property owner, occupant or other responsible party who violates, disobeys, neglects, or refuses to comply with the provisions of this Order will be subject to enforcement as authorized by the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mansfield, the adopted International Fire Code and local amendments and other applicable law.

Violations involving fire safety are punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000.00 for each offense, as provided by the Mansfield Code of Ordinances. Each day that a violation continues may constitute a separate offense.

Mansfield Fire Rescue personnel are authorized to order the immediate extinguishment of any fire or the immediate termination of any outdoor burning, hot-work operation, open-flame activity, or other activity that violates this Order or creates an unreasonable risk of fire spread. Failure or refusal to comply with a lawful order issued by the Fire Marshal or Mansfield Fire Rescue personnel will result in additional enforcement action as authorized by applicable City ordinance and law.

Nothing in this Order shall relieve any person from compliance with any other provision of the City of Mansfield Code of Ordinances, the adopted International Fire Code and local amendments, applicable state law or any other requirement governing outdoor burning, open flames, hot work or fire safety.

This Order shall become effective Aug. 26, and shall remain in effect until rescinded by the Mansfield Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal will continue to evaluate drought conditions, vegetation conditions, wildfire activity, weather forecasts and regional fire restrictions, including the Tarrant and Johnson County outdoor burning ban.

This Order may be modified, extended or rescinded when conditions warrant.