FAQs • Hood County, TX • CivicEngage

It rained, yet we are under a burn ban. Can I burn?: While periods of rain help to relieve conditions that create a burn ban, the fact that it has rained does not lift the ban. In accordance with Texas law, the ban is either on or off. Even though increased moisture and humidity help to reduce activity of fire, you must remember that unless vegetation is in the growing phase, the fuel still contains little to no moisture, contributing to increased fire danger. Our office monitors the conditions daily during the time burn bans are in place and can assure you they will be lifted when burning can be done safely.

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Fire Marshal

1. How can I find out if a burn ban is in effect?: We attempt to make every effort to let the public know a burn ban is in place. This is done by contacting local media, placing signs throughout the county, and using this website's emergency alerts system. Additionally, we have started placing signs on county vehicles during a burn ban. View the following website to see which counties have bans in place. Texas Forest Service

2. What items may I burn?: Only dry plant growth generated on the burn site can be burned. For a list of prohibited materials and more information, please view the following webpage. Controlled Burning

3. How do I obtain a copy of a fire report?: If the fire occurred in the county, contact (817) 408-3450 to complete an Open Records Request: 1410 W. Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048
Open Records Request Form

4. What do I need to conduct a burn?: Please view the following webpage to find requirements for conducting a safe burn. Controlled Burning Recommendations

5. When can I conduct a controlled burn?: You can conduct a controlled burn when no burn ban is in effect. Burning must be done no earlier than one hour after sunrise and no later than one hour before sunset. Burning can also only be done at a time when the wind speed is 6-26 miles per hour.

6. Do I need to get a permit for a controlled burn?: Hood County does not require permits to conduct controlled burns; however, within city limits, you must always check to see if your city requires permits. Hood County only requests that you complete the following form, so we are aware of the burn. Burn Notification Form

7. What are the penalties for violation of burning prohibited items?: The penalties for burning prohibited items range from a Class C Misdemeanor to a Class A Misdemeanor.

8. What is a burn ban?: A burn ban is when restrictions are placed on outdoor burning due to the conditions of the fuel. For more information about Hood County burn bans, please visit the following webpage. Controlled Burning

9. It rained, yet we are under a burn ban. Can I burn?: While periods of rain help to relieve conditions that create a burn ban, the fact that it has rained does not lift the ban. In accordance with Texas law, the ban is either on or off. Even though increased moisture and humidity help to reduce activity of fire, you must remember that unless vegetation is in the growing phase, the fuel still contains little to no moisture, contributing to increased fire danger. Our office monitors the conditions daily during the time burn bans are in place and can assure you they will be lifted when burning can be done safely.

10. What is the penalty for burning during a burn ban?: Violation of the burn ban may result in a fine of up to $500.

11. How do I take care of a citation I received for a violation?: If you received a citation, you should have also received a piece of paper informing you of the proper way to resolve the citation. If you have misplaced this, you can contact the justice of the peace for the precinct in which the citation was written. The office will let you know what options are available to resolve the citation. Hood County Justices of the Peace

12. I received an outdoor burn warning notice. Is this a citation?: An outdoor burn warning notice is not a citation. Typically, this is written as a way for the deputy to provide information in writing to the individual. These are kept on file and if future contact is made by a deputy, it provides supporting documentation that the individual has been advised of the requirements for conducting a controlled burn.

13. Are fire marshals police officers?: The fire marshal and all deputies are certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement as peace officers. While the primary role of the fire marshal staff members is to investigate fires occurring within the county, their secondary role is to act as peace officers for Hood County.

14. I live within city limits. Who do I contact about burning?: Contact your city hall to find out if there are burning restrictions or a permitting process for your city. Hood County also requests that you complete the following form, so we are aware of the burn. Burn Notification Form

15. Who do I call for a fire inspection?: If you live in the county area, call (817) 579-3335 for a fire inspection. If you are in the City of Granbury, call (817) 573-1114.

16. When can I sell / buy fireworks?: The State of Texas establishes the dates for the sale of fireworks.
These dates are February 25 – March 2, April 16 – April 21, June 24 - July 4 and December 20 - January 1.

17. Where can I use fireworks?: Individual cities within Hood County have their own restrictions. In the county area, fireworks can be used on private property only. Public parks, church parking lots, and schools are not available for use to the public. Homeowners' associations may also have designated areas within a community for use of fireworks.