Permitted Fires

  1. NO OPEN BURNING PERMITS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ISSUED

    In "Area A" (Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley), a Burn Ban is in effect annually from 5/1/23 - 9/30/23. Outside of "Area A," a Burn Ban remains in effect until Monsoon rains arrive and mitigate fire danger. Check back for updates.

Provided a burn permit is first obtained from the Control Officer, the following fires are allowed after contacting the appropriate fire district/department or State Forester:

  • Residential fires- are used for the disposal of non-toxic vegetative or horticultural waste that are generated only from that property.
    • Small Scale - The quantity of material burned during the one-month permit is less than 10 cubic yards of non-compacted materials. (Fee is $2 for a 3-day permit and $5 for a one-month permit.) Permits may be renewed month-to-month.
    • Large Scale - The quantity of material burned during the one-month permit is less than 20 cubic yards of non-compacted materials. (Fee is $10 for a one-month permit.) Only two permits may be obtained per calendar year.

  • Commercial Fires- are used for the disposal of non-toxic vegetative or horticultural waste that is generated from a business.
    • Small Scale - The quantity of material burned during the one-month permit is less than 10 cubic yards of non-compacted materials. (Fee is $5 for a 3-day permit, and $20 for a one-month permit.) Permits may be renewed month-to-month.
    • Large Scale - The quantity of material burned during the one-month permit is less than 20 cubic yards of non-compacted materials. (Fee is $35 for a one-month permit.) Only two permits may be obtained per calendar year.
    • Land Clearing - Used for one-time land clearing operations and require a site inspection by the Air Quality Division. (Fee is $250 for the application and $1 per acre.)

  • Agricultural Fires - set for weed control or the disposal of non-toxic horticultural wastes. (Fee is $50 for less than 320 acres, $100 for more than 320 acres, and $200 for all non-contiguous acreage under one owner.) Permits are issued for one year.

  • Bonfires - set by a political subdivision for a civic or community event. (Contact Air Quality.)

  • Training Exercise Fires - set by companies for the instruction of fire fighting methods. (Contact Air Quality.)

  • Building Demolition Fires - set for the disposal of abandoned buildings/materials and require a site inspection by the Air Quality Division. (Fee is $250. Contact Air Quality.)

  • Destruction of Dangerous Material Fires - set when the materials are too dangerous to store or transport. (Fee is $250. Contact Air Quality.)

  • Air Curtain Destructor - used for the disposal of non-toxic vegetative or horticultural waste and requires a Class II Air Quality permit. (Contact Air Quality.)

Fires That Are Exempt

  • Recreational fires - are used for religious, ceremonial, cooking, or warmth. The total fuel area must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. No permit or report is required.
  • Public Officer fires - are used by a public officer in the performance of an official duty, and must be reported to the Control Officer. (Contact Air Quality for report format.)