County lifts suspension of open burn permits, but not Maricopa

With the arrival of the monsoon rains, Pinal County’s Air Quality Division will resume issuing burn permits beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1.

In the City of Maricopa, however, the fire department has and will continue to have a burn ban within the city limits, according to Fire Inspector Eddie Rodriquez. “If anyone witnesses a nuisance fire, it should be reported to the Sheriff’s Department for a possible citation,” explained Rodriquez.

The Thunderbird Farms area is subject to county burn regulations, according to Fire Chief Craig Shively. “The burn permits are for weeds only,” he explained. “The biggest problem we have is people burning trash illegally at night to hide the smoke. What people don’t realize is that plastic milk containers give off toxic fumes when burned and pressed wood, like in cheap furniture, gives off a cyanide gas.”

“We urge residents to use caution when they are burning,” said Don Gabrielson, Air Quality Division Director. “We also would like to stress that local burning bans imposed by fire departments will continue in some areas of the county. We ask people to be aware of this fact.”

Burn permits fall into three categories: residential, commercial and agricultural. Fees apply to each type of permit. A recreational fire, for religious or ceremonial purposes, cooking or warmth, is exempted from the permit process, but must be no more than three feet in diameter and not more than two feet high.

Burning any hazardous material is strictly prohibited, and all fires must be constantly attended.

Each burn permit must include the date of the burn, the type and quantity of fuel, whether the fire will be a pile or windrow fire and the exact location of the scheduled burn.

Additional information, including permit fees and an application form, can be found on Pinal County’s Air Quality Division’s Web site, or you can call (520) 866-6929.

Information courtesy of Pinal County Air Quality Division