Connie Scott, Nueces County Judge

NUECES COUNTY, TEXAS - (News Release) November 13, 2024 Nueces County has issued a Burn Ban Order effective immediately for the unincorporated areas of Nueces County.

The Order prohibits all outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of the County through midnight December 13, 2024, unless the County Judge rescinds the restrictions earlier based on a finding that the circumstances requiring the Order no longer exist.

Household trash burning is allowed ONLY IF trash pickup is not available. If trash pickup is not available, an enclosed container such as a metal barrel may be used and, only if it has a spark and flame-arresting screen over the top of the container. Non-commercial cooking activities like backyard cookouts and barbecues are still permitted. Outdoor welding and other "hot work" must comply with fire code requirements.

Beach bonfires are prohibited during a burn ban.

This Order is adopted pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §352-081(d), and other applicable statutes. This Order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for 1) Firefighting training; 2) Public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; 3) Planting or harvesting of agricultural crops; or 4) Burns that are conducted by a certified and insured prescribed burn manager under Natural Resources Code §153.048 and meets the standards of Natural Resources Code §153.047.

In accordance with Texas Local Government Code §352.081(h), a knowing or intentional violation of the court's order prohibiting or restricting outdoor burning is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.