Prescribed Burns in Texas: How to Protect Your Land and Local Wildlife
Land ownership comes with many responsibilities. Depending on where you live in Texas, the type of land you own, and how you use it, prescribed burning may be one of those responsibilities.
Prescribed burns, also called controlled burns, are an essential land-management tool across Texas. When done correctly, they reduce wildfire risk, control invasive plants, recycle nutrients into the soil, and help native grasses, plants, and wildlife thrive. Many Texas ecosystems, including rangeland and native prairie, evolved with periodic fire as part of their natural cycle.
That said, any fire carries risk, especially to wildlife. Strategic planning is essential to ensure your prescribed burn improves the land without endangering the animals that live on it.
Below are practical, Texas-focused tips to help you burn responsibly while protecting wildlife.
1. Use Smaller, Staged Burns Instead of One Large Burn
Rather than burning an entire property at once, divide the area into smaller burn units. Conducting multiple minor burns:
Creates escape routes for wildlife
Limits smoke exposure
Makes the fire easier to control
Reduces the chance of unintended damage
Leave unburned buffer zones between sections whenever possible. At least one portion of the property should remain untouched during the burn. These refuge areas provide insects, reptiles, birds, and small mammals with places to hide and reestablish themselves after the fire.
This approach is widely recommended by land managers across Texas, especially on larger ranches and recreational properties.
2. Avoid Sensitive Wildlife Seasons in Texas
Timing matters. In Texas, many species nest, breed, or raise young for much of the year.
For wildlife safety, avoid burning during primary mating and nesting seasons, which generally run from mid-October through mid-May, depending on species and region.
Burning outside these windows helps ensure:
Fewer animals are above ground
Young animals are not trapped in nests or dens
Wildlife can move away from fire and smoke more easily
When burns are conducted during appropriate seasons, many animals instinctively burrow underground or relocate temporarily, then return as vegetation regrows.
3. Walk the Property After the Burn Is Complete
Even with careful planning, it’s essential to inspect the land once the fire is fully extinguished.
After a controlled burn:
Walk the area slowly
Look for injured or disoriented wildlife
Pay special attention to fence lines, brush piles, and low areas
If you encounter an animal that appears injured, do not attempt to feed, treat, or relocate it yourself. Improper handling can cause further harm or put you at risk.
What To Do If You Find Injured Wildlife in Texas
Keep your distance and keep pets and people away
Do not offer food or water
If possible, safely contain the animal in a ventilated box using gloves only when directed by professionals.
Never handle bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, or coyotes due to rabies risk
Call a licensed wildlife professional for guidance.
Texas Wildlife Help Resources
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD)
Wildlife Assistance Line: 512-389-4800
Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov
TPWD can direct you to licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your county and advise you on the next steps based on the species and condition of the animal.
If an animal poses an immediate danger to people or traffic, contact your local animal control office or non-emergency law enforcement.
Know the Law Before You Burn in Texas
Texas law allows prescribed burning, but it comes with responsibilities.
Before conducting a burn:
Check county and local burn bans
Review the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) air-quality guidelines
Notify local fire authorities when required
Obtain any necessary permits
In many cases, especially for large tracts of land, hiring a certified prescribed burn manager or professional crew is strongly recommended. Their experience helps protect neighboring properties, livestock, wildlife, and your long-term land investment.
Responsible Land Stewardship Matters
When conducted correctly, prescribed burns benefit Texas landowners, wildlife, and surrounding communities. With thoughtful planning, proper timing, and attention to wildlife safety, controlled burning can remain one of the most effective tools for maintaining healthy land across the Lone Star State.
About Preferred Properties of Texas
For more than 30 years, Preferred Properties of Texas has helped landowners, ranchers, buyers, sellers, and investors navigate every corner of Texas real estate. From farms and ranches to homes, land, and commercial properties, our team understands the responsibilities that come with land ownership in Texas.
We proudly serve Stephenville, Granbury, Weatherford, Hico, Hamilton, Brownwood, Possum Kingdom, Eastland, Bluff Dale, Tolar, Comanche, and communities throughout the Cross Timbers region.
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The Preferred Way to Buy and Sell Real Estate.
Preferred Properties of Texas
Real Estate Agency 254-965-7775 2441 Senator Robert J. Glasgow Loop, Stephenville, Texas 76401
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