County resuming open burn permits on Sept. 15

Pinal County Air Quality will resume issuing open burning permits in portions of Pinal County on Sept. 15. 

The 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. 
 
The ban on open burning will remain in effect where local fire departments still regard open fires as a threat, including the Oracle and Dudleyville Fire Districts. 
 
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.

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.

All out of district (out of city limits) residents seeking a burn permit, including the Thunderbird area, must contact the Pinal County Air Quality office. Courtesy notification to the Maricopa Fire Department, however, would be greatly appreciated after obtaining a permit, Boys said. 

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 the Pinal County Air Quality Division at 520-866-6929.

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