Can you BBQ during a burn ban in Texas? Sunset Ridge RV Resort visitors ask us this question during the dry season. Not only is a Texas vacation incomplete without sampling our state’s famous barbecue, but RV camping is not the same without being able to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. Here, we explain how to enjoy your favorite camping meals while abiding by local fire regulations.
Can You BBQ During a Burn Ban in Texas?
Yes, you may still cook with an outdoor propane or charcoal grill when under a burn ban, but you may not use a campfire.
Propane grills are the safest cooking method during drought conditions, but you must keep the flames covered as much as possible. If you use a charcoal or wood-burning grill for a barbecue, fire marshals in many Texas counties require that you place the grill on a bare surface at least five feet away from anything that could catch fire. If you lose control of your fire, you could be liable for any damages it causes.
Is a BBQ Grill Considered an Open Fire?
No, Texas authorities do not consider a grill that you operate safely an open fire.
Texas is one of few states whose administrative code prohibits most types of outdoor burning, even when no local burn bans are in place. An exception to this rule is using fire for noncommercial food preparation. You can BBQ during a burn ban in Texas, as long as you set your grill on a nonflammable surface away from other structures. However, cooking over a campfire would be illegal during this time.
What Does Burn Ban in Effect Mean in Texas?
It is illegal to have an open fire or burn brush when under a burn ban. Officials also advise against parking your vehicle on grass because the hot surfaces beneath a car can start a wildfire when the grass is dry.
The decision to prohibit fires usually falls to county commissioners or a county judge. They often decide to issue a burn ban to protect the public when drought conditions increase the chance of wildfire. Burn bans override the outdoor burning policies of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, so you should always check with local authorities for the current burn ban status where you are staying.
You Can BBQ During a Burn Ban in Texas at Sunset Ridge RV Resort
You are welcome to use a grill to cook during your stay at Sunset Ridge RV Resort. Each of our paved RV sites has ample space to set up your outdoor grill for easy access to your kitchen area. We also have a barbecue pit picnic area to accommodate larger get-togethers with friends and family.
There are many fun things to do at Sunset Ridge. You can BBQ during a burn ban in Texas, play pickleball, and enjoy free access to Corpus Christi Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Contact us with questions about RVing in Corpus Christi or to make your reservation today.