Fire Regulations in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Phoenix, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Phoenix allows backyard fire pits and portable outdoor fireplaces, but the Phoenix Fire Code (2018/2024 IFC as amended) Section 307 sets minimum clearances and requires constant attendance, and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department prohibits wood burning in any fire pit or chiminea on a declared No Burn Day.
Fire pits allowed with setbacks and no-burn-day rules
Some RestrictionsPhoenix Fire Code sections 307.4.3 and 307.5 (2018 IFC as adopted/amended by the City of Phoenix)
307.4.3 Portable outdoor fireplaces. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one- and two-family dwellings. 307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplace...
Fireworks
The Phoenix Fire Code prohibits the sale and use of consumer fireworks, but Arizona Revised Statutes section 36-1606 preempts local rules and permits the sale and use of 'permissible consumer fireworks' (ground/sparkling items) only during specific state-set date windows. Aerial and exploding fireworks remain illegal year-round in Phoenix.
Consumer fireworks banned except state-set dates
Heavy RestrictionsAriz. Rev. Stat. section 36-1606(A)(1)
A. The sale and use of permissible consumer fireworks are of statewide concern. The regulation of permissible consumer fireworks pursuant to this article and their sale or use is not subject to further regulation by a governing body, except as follows: 1. In a county with a population of more than five hundred thousand persons, a city or town within its corporate limits or the county within the...
Brush Clearance
Phoenix does not have a mandatory defensible space or brush clearance ordinance. The city's low-desert urban environment presents minimal wildfire risk. The Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 39) requires properties to be free of dead vegetation and fire hazards. The Phoenix Fire Department conducts fire prevention activities but does not mandate specific brush clearance distances.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Few RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning in Phoenix requires an operational permit from the Phoenix Fire Department under Fire Code section 105.5.36, and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department separately bans burning household trash and yard waste year-round and prohibits all outdoor wood burning on declared No Burn Days under Rule 314.
Open burning needs a permit; trash and yard burning banned
Heavy RestrictionsPhoenix Fire Code section 105.5.36 (added by Ord. G-7242, amending the 2018 IFC)
105.5.36 Open burning or bonfire. An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to. Exception: Recreational fires.
Wildfire Zones
Phoenix adopts the International Fire Code (2024 edition with local amendments) under Chapter 15. While the urban core has low wildfire risk, northern mountain preserve areas have elevated risk. The Arizona DFFM evaluates communities at risk, and Phoenix requires defensible space and fire-resistant construction in hazard areas.
Phoenix Wildfire Zone & Defensible Space Rules
Some RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Phoenix follows the 2018 Phoenix Building Construction Code Chapter 9 (IBC/IRC) and Ordinance G-5898 (effective April 18, 2014). Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story; alarms must be interconnected. Battery-only alarms must be UL-listed with a sealed 10-year lithium battery. Statewide A.R.S. § 36-1637 governs landlord/tenant duties.
Smoke Detector Rules in Phoenix
Some RestrictionsPhoenix Residential Smoke Alarms Guideline, 2012 IRC Section R314 (TRT/DOC/00619)
IRC Section, R314.3.1 states "When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings." Notes (If smoke alarms are required): IRC Section R314.5 Interconnection. The alarm devices shall be interconnected in such...
Backyard Fires
A backyard recreational fire is the one open-flame exception that does not require a Phoenix open-burning permit, but Phoenix Fire Code section 307.4.2 requires it to be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, constantly attended, and the Maricopa County wood-smoke and No Burn Day rules still apply.
Recreational backyard fires allowed under 25-ft rule
Some RestrictionsPhoenix Fire Code section 307.4.2 (2018 IFC as adopted/amended by the City of Phoenix)
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread to within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Propane Storage
Propane storage in Phoenix is regulated by the Phoenix Fire Code. Residential tanks require setbacks per NFPA 58. Tanks over 500 gallons require permits from Phoenix Fire Department.
Phoenix Propane Storage Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Phoenix city rules.
Fire Regulations in Maricopa County →