Texas Panhandle Wildfires
Here are steps you can take to protect your health and the environment in the burn area of a wildfire.
Given the scope and nature of this disaster, TCEQ is NOT requiring notification to our regional office of carcass disposal, but if questions arise, please contact the Regional Office.
See Governor Abbott’s
proclamation declaring a state of disaster
in Texas counties affected by the wildfires.
View TCEQ’s guidance on wildfire response
See information on wildfire smoke, other smoke-related events, and your health
Enforcement Discretion and Rules Suspensions:
- Request for Suspension of TCEQ Rules
- Governor’s Response to Request for Suspension of TCEQ Rules
- Suspension of TCEQ Rules lifted by Governor Abbott May 20, 2024
- Governor Abbott Grants Temporary Waivers To Respond To Texas Wildfires
Managing Waste
Follow the guidelines to dispose of wildfire wastes properly.
Debris and ash from residential structure fires can be disposed of in a TCEQ authorized Type I Landfill. Type I Landfills may accept wastes generated from debris removal including: household wastes, construction wastes, non-diseased animal carcasses, and household hazardous wastes/commercial chemical products intended for home use. There are also certain items prohibited from being accepted at any municipal solid waste landfills, such as used oil and used oil filters, lead acid storage batteries, and whole scrap tires. In addition, landfills are not allowed to accept wastes or materials that are still steaming, burning, or smoldering because of the associated fire risks.
If you have questions, contact the TCEQ regional office that serves your county. Also, be sure to check with local authorities for their guidance.
Disposing of Typical Wastes from Wildfires
Wildfires typically produce a great deal of debris and, sadly, carcasses. Follow these guidelines for disposing of these wastes properly.
Cleaning up Debris
Remember, some of the debris produced by a wildfire could be recyclable. Follow these guidelines to separate debris according to type and dispose of it properly:
- Managing Debris from Texas Wildfires
- A Visual Guide to Managing Wildfire Debris in English or in Spanish
- Request for Approval of Temporary Debris Management Site —This form is used by local authorities to ask for permission to set up debris-collection stations.
- SeeTCEQ's webpage about recycling options.
Find an Appropriate Landfill
Many wastes can and should be taken to the landfill. Use the guidance below and these resources to find an appropriate landfill near you:
- Active municipal solid waste landfills
- Municipal Solid Waste Facilities Viewer —A map viewer for locating MSW facilities.
Disposing of Carcasses
- Disposing of Livestock Carcasses(RG-591)