CURRENT STATUS (March 26, 2026): NO BURN BAN IN EFFECT. Cooke County Commissioners voted to lift the burn ban on March 10, 2026, following a period of improved rainfall. This page is updated each time the status changes.
GAINESVILLE, Texas — Burn bans in Cooke County are issued by the Commissioners Court when dry conditions create elevated wildfire risk. The bans restrict outdoor burning and carry penalties for violations. Below is everything residents need to know.
What a burn ban prohibits:
When a burn ban is in effect in Cooke County, the following outdoor burning activities are prohibited:
- Campfires, bonfires, and open-air burning
- Burning trash, brush, or debris outdoors
- Burning in unapproved containers (burn barrels without proper screening)
- Fireworks and other incendiary devices
- Welding or grinding outdoors in areas with dry vegetation (in some orders)
Certain activities may be exempt depending on the specific order, including commercial agricultural burning with prior approval and outdoor cooking in approved grills or smokers with proper containment. The exact terms vary with each order issued by the Commissioners Court.
Penalties:
Violating a county burn ban in Texas is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. If the violation causes property damage or bodily harm, it can be elevated to a more serious charge.
How burn bans are issued and lifted:
The Cooke County Commissioners Court has the authority to issue and lift burn bans under the Texas Disaster Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 418). The decision is typically based on:
- The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which measures soil moisture and fire potential
- Recent rainfall levels and short-term weather forecasts
- Input from the Cooke County Fire Marshal and emergency management coordinator
- Conditions reported by volunteer fire departments across the county
Burn bans are voted on during regular or special Commissioners Court sessions. They are typically issued for an initial period (often 30, 60, or 90 days) and can be extended or lifted early depending on conditions.
How to stay informed:
Cooke County website: co.cooke.tx.us
Cooke County Emergency Management: Rand Brown, coordinator. The county participates in the CodeRED alert system — residents can sign up for notifications at the county website.
Cooke County Sheriff's Office: (940) 665-3471 (non-emergency)
Cooke County Record: We update this page each time the burn ban status changes and publish a separate news article with details on each decision.
Recent burn ban history:
Date Action Details March 10, 2026 Lifted Commissioners voted to lift the burn ban after recent rainfall improved conditions. March 5, 2026 Extended Commissioners extended the burn ban as dry conditions persisted across the county. February 3, 2026 Lifted Commissioners voted 3-1 to lift the burn ban following improved moisture conditions. January 2026 In effect Burn ban active during dry winter conditions.
About this page:
This page is maintained by the Cooke County Record as a public resource. It is updated each time the Cooke County Commissioners Court issues, extends, or lifts a burn ban. The bold status line at the top of the page always reflects the current status.
For corrections or updates, contact news@cookecountyrecord.com.