Fire Regulations in Tempe, AZ (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Tempe allows recreational fire pits under specific conditions. Pits must be contained in an approved vessel, use clean-burning fuels, and maintain clearance from structures and combustible materials. No-burn advisories must be observed.
Tempe Fire Pit & Outdoor Fireplace Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Tempe prohibits the use, sale, and possession of consumer fireworks within city limits except for limited permissible items around the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. Only ground-based, non-aerial fireworks like sparklers and fountains are allowed during designated periods.
Tempe Fireworks Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsA.R.S. § 36-1606(A) — Consumer fireworks regulation; state preemption; further regulation of fireworks by local jurisdiction
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
Tempe's fire prevention code (Chapter 14) requires property owners to maintain vegetation and remove fire hazards. The city adopted the International Fire Code. Dry brush, dead vegetation, and accumulated debris must be cleared. Tempe's urban setting reduces wildfire risk, but the Sonoran Desert climate creates seasonal fire hazards from dried vegetation during the pre-monsoon dry season (April-June).
Tempe Fire Brush Clearance and Vegetation Management
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Tempe prohibits open burning within city limits due to Maricopa County air quality regulations. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be allowed under specific conditions, but burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is banned year-round.
Tempe Outdoor Burning Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Tempe is a fully urbanized city without formally designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones. The primary fire risks are structural fires and vegetation fires on vacant desert parcels, particularly near Papago Park and the Salt River bottom. The city's fire code follows the International Fire Code. Arizona's Firewise USA program encourages defensible space even in urban areas.
Tempe Wildfire Zone Information
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Tempe Rental Housing Code requires smoke detectors in all rental units, installed per the currently adopted building code (IRC R314 / IBC 907). Wall-mounted alarms must be 4-12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling units at least 4 inches from any wall. Owners must install, replace batteries annually, keep records, and verify operation between tenancies. Statewide A.R.S. § 36-1637 governs landlord/tenant duties.
Smoke Detector Rules in Tempe
Some RestrictionsPropane Storage
Tempe adopts IFC Ch. 61 via City Code Ch. 9A. Residential: max two 20-lb cylinders outdoors; indoor storage banned. Permit required for any LP installation >125 gal through Tempe Fire Medical Rescue.
fire/propane-storage
Some RestrictionsLooking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Fire Regulations in Maricopa County →