Outdoor Burning

Open Burning

Outdoor burning is not allowed in the City of Princeton. 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.

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 cooking fires are allowed.

Fires built under this exception may not contain electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, and construction or demolition materials not made of wood, heavy oils, asphaltic materials, potentially explosive materials, chemical wastes, or items containing natural or synthetic rubber. In addition, the burning must not cause a nuisance to surrounding people, properties, and/or roadways.

Commercial Burning

Commercial trench burning is allowed with a permit issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the City of Princeton Fire Marshal's Office.

Permits are required for:

  • Commercial Burning (for commercial real estate land clearing only)
  • Ceremonial Burning (as described by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality)

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