Bexar County extends burn ban in unincorporated areas

The Bexar County Commissioners Court approved an extension of the ban on outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county Oct. 28.

What you need to know

Due to dry conditions, high winds and a large buildup of dry vegetation and debris, the burn ban has been extended for an additional 90 days, beginning Nov. 11 and ending Feb. 9, 2026.

Under the ban, private residences in unincorporated areas of the county are restricted to burning household trash and other domestic waste in enclosures such as burn barrels equipped with metal wire mesh screens to prevent sparks and flames from spreading.

The order prohibits all other outdoor burning unless authorized by the fire marshal, as well as burning for firefighting training, public utility, natural gas pipeline and mining operations; and harvesting of crops.

A violation of the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

Current situation

The decision was made after the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, KBDI—an indicator of seasonal drought on fire potential and measured on a scale of 0 to 800—determined that there is a heightened risk of wildfires. The Oct. 28 KBDI in unincorporated Bexar County was over 500.