Burning Laws & Regulations

Fireworks

Fireworks are illegal in the City of La Porte. It is illegal to possess, transport, ignite, or sell fireworks in the City of La Porte.

Consequences

Confiscation of illegal fireworks and a municipal court fine of up to $2,000 may be levied against anyone in violation of this prohibition.

Burn Ban

Please visit the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office website for the Status of County Burn Bans online.

Outdoor Burning

Outdoor burning is not allowed in the City of La Porte. Outdoor burning encompasses the burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush, and other yard trimmings.

It is also the burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation. An excellent alternative to disposing of natural vegetation instead of Outside Burning is to compost and/or chip the natural vegetation and utilize the material for gardens and flowerbeds.

Fires for Recreation, Ceremonies, Cooking, or Warmth

Outdoor burning is allowed when used solely for recreational or ceremonial purposes, in the noncommercial preparation of food, or exclusively as a means of generating warmth in cold weather. In other words, small campfires which are inside of a fire-ring which is designed for fire and/or cooking fires are allowed.

Fires built under this exception may not contain:

  • Asphalt materials
  • Chemical wastes
  • Electrical insulation
  • Items containing natural or synthetic rubber
  • Heavy oils
  • Plastics
  • Potentially explosive materials
  • Treated lumber

You may put demolition or construction materials in the fire only if they are wood. The fire pit area shall not exceed a total of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.

Note: The burning must not cause a nuisance to surrounding people, properties, and/or roadways. Any and all Fires used for Recreation, Ceremonies, Cooking, and/or Warmth shall be promptly and completely extinguished once notified to do so by any Police Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, and/or Fire Fighter. Said fires shall remain extinguished for no less than 24 hours.

Commercial Burning

Commercial Trench Burning is allowed with a permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the City of La Porte Fire Marshal's Office. You may contact the TCEQ online.