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AQD | Open Burn Permit

Air Permits and Compliance Section

Why do I need an Open Burn Permit?

Revised On: Nov. 16, 2023 - 12:00 p.m.

Unless specifically exempted by rule,1 persons setting outdoor fires, by law2, 3  must obtain a permit from ADEQ or a delegated permitting authority. These laws are intended to help protect the public from smoke impacts. Two types of open burn permits are issued in Arizona: Open Burn Permit and Dangerous Materials Open Burn Permit. 

Open Burn Permit

An Open Burn Permit is needed for open outdoor fires for the purposes of weed abatement, prevention of a fire hazard or instruction in the methods of fighting fires, unless conducted by a public officer in the performance of an official duty.

If your burn will take place in Maricopa, Pima or Pinal County, you must apply with that county:

Maricopa County | Go to Burn Permits >
Pima County | Go to Burn Permits > 

Pinal County | Go to Burn Permits >

In some locations outside these counties, fire departments and local governments have authority to issue open burn permits | See Jurisdiction List for County Open Burn Permit Information >

Apply with the Online Portal

Applying for an Open Burn Permit is paperless with the release of ADEQ's online portal. Using the Open Burn Permit Online Portal, you can:

• Get your permit at any time, at your convenience, 24/7

• Instantly receive your permit confirmation and documentation

• Save and resume any in-progress permit applications for up to 7 days

Open Burn Permit Online Portal | Visit Portal to Apply >
Permit Duration: 1 year

Permit Cost: $0 (ADEQ does not charge a fee)

Time to Process Permit: Same-day

Dangerous Materials Open Burn Permit

A Dangerous Materials Open Burn Permit is needed to burn hazardous waste or any substances that may cause bodily harm or property loss if not neutralized, consumed or otherwise disposed of in a controlled and safe manner. Fires set for the disposal of dangerous materials are permitted only when there is no safe alternative method of disposal and when the burning of the materials does not result in the emission of hazardous or toxic substances in amounts that will endanger health or safety. Only ADEQ has authority to issue open burn permits for dangerous materials.

To apply for a Dangerous Materials Open Burn Permit, please download and follow the instructions on the permit application form to submit | View/Download >

Permit Duration: 1 year


Permit Cost: $0 (ADEQ does not charge a fee)


Time to Process Permit: 7 business days of receipt of a completed application

Can I Burn Household Trash?

Unless certain criteria are met,4 by law, household trash may not be burned, and should be disposed by way of waste collection systems.

How Can I Conduct Burning?

Material to be burned must be either piled, collected in a pit or ditch, field burned (agricultural only), or burned using an approved waste burner. An approved waste burner means an incinerator constructed of fire resistant material with a cover or screen that is closed when in use, and has an opening in the sides or top no greater than one-inch in diameter. The open burn permit will specify the allowable methods that can be used for burning.