County resumes open burning in some areas

On Monday Pinal County Air Quality resumed issuing open burning permits in portions of the county.

The open burning ban originally went into effect in late April to mitigate the risk of wildfire. Recent rains and higher humidity levels have reduced the fire risk in many areas. However, the ban remains in effect for Oracle, San Manuel and Dudleyville.

Burn permits are not issued within the city limits of Maricopa, with the exception of only a few agricultural permits, according to Maricopa Fire Department Division Chief Mark Boys.

“Since Pinal County Air Quality lifted the burn ban this Monday we will revert back to our previous burn procedures. All out of district (out of city limits) residents seeking a burn permit must contact the Pinal County Air Quality office at 520-866-6929. This includes the Thunderbird area as well as the previous annexed area. Courtesy notification to the Maricopa Fire Department, however, would be greatly appreciated after obtaining a permit at the Casa Grande Air Quality office at 31 N. Pinal St., Bldg. F,” said Boys.

State law prohibits open burning in the portion of north central Pinal County that includes Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon and San Tan Valley. This region is affected by more stringent air quality regulations that prohibit open burning until October 1.

Failure to comply with burn permit conditions may result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day. Reckless burning is a Class 1 or 2 Misdemeanor or a Class 3 Felony.

Applications for burn permits and additional information on open burning are available on the Air Quality Division’s website or by calling them at 520-866-6929.

Burning any of the following is prohibited:

Any garbage from the processing, storage, service or consumption of food, household waste, chemically treated wood, lead painted wood, linoleum flooring, composite countertops, tires, explosives, ammunition, oleanders, asphalt shingles, tar paper, plastic and rubber products, household chemical bottles, plastic grocery and retail bags, waste petroleum products (crankcase oil, transmission oil, oil filters, transformer oils) asbestos, batteries, anti-freeze, aerosol spray cans, electrical wire insulation, thermal insulation, polyester products, hazardous waste products (paints, pesticides, cleaners, solvents, stains, varnishes and other flammable liquids), plastic pesticide containers or bags and hazardous material containers that contained lead, cadmium, mercury or arsenic compounds.

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