Revised On: Oct. 21st, 2024 - 02:16 pm
If you need to set an outdoor fire for weed abatement, prevention of fire hazards, or firefighting instruction, Arizona law requires you to get an open burn permit. This requirement does not apply to fires set by public officers in the performance of an official duty.
You do not need a permit for setting a fire used for cooking, campfires, warmth, recreation, animal branding, disposing of a U.S. flag, or orchard heaters (for frost prevention in farming or nursery operations).
We issue open burn permits 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.
How to Get an Open Burn Permit
Open burn permits in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal County are issued at the county level:
In some locations outside these counties, fire departments and local governments have the authority to issue open burn permits:
- List of County Open Burn Permit Jurisdictions | View List >
- Gila River Indian Community's Residential and Agriculture Burn Permit | Apply for Permit >
Apply with the ADEQs Online Portal:
Apply for an Open Burn Permit online today with ADEQ's Open Burn Permit Portal; you can:
- Get your permit at any time, at your convenience, 24/7
- Instantly receive your permit confirmation and documentation (permit valid for one year)
- Open Burn Permits are Free | Apply Online >
Dangerous Materials Open Burn Permit
Fires set to dispose of dangerous materials are permitted only when there is no safe way to store or transport them 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. We are the only agency in Arizona authorized 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
Can I Burn Household Trash?
Generally, no. Use any available household waste/trash collection systems. If none are available, contact us or your local open burn authority to obtain written permission before burning household waste | View Jurisdiction List >
Conducting a Safe Open Burn
Your open burn permit will specify the allowable methods that can be used for burning. Burn materials either in a pile, collected in a pit or ditch, 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.
Field burns can be authorized for agriculture only.
Arizona Open Burn Law:
Arizona Revised Statutes 49-501 | Read >
Arizona Administrative Code R18-2-602 | Read >
