Outdoor Burning: Mesa vs Phoenix
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Mesa and Phoenix have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Outdoor burning in Mesa is heavily restricted by both city ordinance and Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) Rule 314. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Burn permits are required from Mesa Fire and Medical.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Yard Waste | Burning prohibited (MCAQD) | - |
| Permits | Mesa Fire Prevention required | - |
| County Rule | MCAQD Rule 314 | - |
| State Law | ARS §49-501 | - |
| Code Section | - | Phoenix Fire Code section 105.5.36 (permit) |
| Permitting body | - | Phoenix Fire Department, Fire Prevention |
| County rule | - | Maricopa County Rule 314 / Ordinance P-26 |
| Banned year-round | - | Burning household trash and yard waste |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Mesa?
Outdoor burning in Mesa is heavily restricted by both city ordinance and Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) Rule 314. Open burning of yard waste is prohibited. Burn permits are required from Mesa Fire and Medical.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Mesa?
Yard Waste: Burning prohibited (MCAQD). Permits: Mesa Fire Prevention required. County Rule: MCAQD Rule 314. State Law: ARS §49-501.
Phoenix FAQ
Do I need a permit to burn outdoors in Phoenix?
Yes. Fire Code section 105.5.36 requires an operational permit to kindle or maintain an open fire or bonfire on any public or private ground in Phoenix. Only a qualifying recreational fire is exempt from the permit.
Can I burn leaves, branches, or trash in my yard?
No. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department prohibits burning household waste and yard waste like tree trimmings year-round under Rule 314, regardless of any Phoenix permit.
What is a No Burn Day?
A day declared by the Maricopa County Air Quality Department when air pollution is elevated. On a No Burn Day, burning anything other than gaseous fuels in a fireplace, woodstove, chiminea, or outdoor pit is prohibited. Call 602-506-6400 or use the Clean Air mobile app to check.
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