Burn Ban Status

Current Burn Ban Status

Status as of April 8, 2026 — Burn ban is NOT in effect.

The Tom Green County burn ban was lifted on April 8, 2026. The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office asks that residents notify the office before conducting any outdoor burning. Conditions remain dry — have water on hand and exercise caution.

See the April 8 news post for full details.

Offical status can always be verified through the official Tom Green County sources below before burning.

When a burn ban is in effect, all outdoor burning is prohibited under penalty of law. If you are unsure, do not burn.

What is a burn ban?

Tom Green County Commissioners Court may issue a burn ban when weather conditions — high winds, low relative humidity, or drought — create extreme wildfire risk. Burn bans are issued and lifted by the County Judge.

During a burn ban:

  • All outdoor burning of brush, debris, or any combustible material is prohibited
  • Agricultural exemptions may apply in some circumstances — contact the county for specifics
  • Violations can result in fines and liability for suppression costs

Before you burn (when no ban is in effect)

Even without a burn ban, Texas law and TCEQ rules apply:

  • Check wind speed and humidity — avoid burning on windy or dry days
  • Only burn on-property vegetation (brush, grass, leaves, trimmings)
  • Notify Tom Green County Dispatch at 325-655-8111 before large burns
  • Have water and tools available and never leave a fire unattended
  • Extinguish completely — cold to the touch — before leaving

For full outdoor burning rules, see the Safety page or visit tceq.texas.gov.

Questions?

Contact the Mereta VFD via the Contact page or call Tom Green County Dispatch at 325-655-8111.