Wildfire Zones: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do wildfire zones rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Tempe has fewer restrictions than Scottsdale.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale has significant wildfire risk areas, particularly in the McDowell Mountain area, Scottsdale Mountain, and desert hillside areas in the northern part of the city. The city has adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code elements through its fire code amendments to address development in these areas.
View full Scottsdale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
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.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| High-Risk Areas | McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale Mountain, northern desert hillside | - |
| Fire Code | IFC 2021 with WUI elements (Chapter 36) | International Fire Code as adopted |
| Roofing | Class A fire-resistant roofing required in WUI areas | - |
| Vents | Ember-resistant vents required in WUI construction | - |
| State Partner | AZ Dept. of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) | - |
| ESLO Balance | Fire safety must be balanced with native plant protection | - |
| WUI Status | - | No formal wildland-urban interface zones |
| Terrain | - | Fully urbanized, minimal wildfire risk |
| Risk Areas | - | Papago Park, Salt River bottom, vacant parcels |
| Department | - | Professional urban fire department |
| State Program | - | Arizona Firewise USA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
Is my Scottsdale property in a wildfire risk zone?
Properties near the McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale Mountain, and northern desert hillside areas are in the wildland-urban interface with elevated wildfire risk. Contact the Scottsdale Fire Department for specific risk assessment.
What fire-resistant building materials are required?
In WUI areas, Class A roofing, fire-resistant exterior wall coverings, and ember-resistant vents are required for new construction.
How does wildfire prevention interact with ESLO native plant requirements?
Property owners must manage vegetation for fire safety while respecting ESLO native plant protections. The Fire Department and Planning work together to find compatible solutions.
Tempe FAQ
Is Tempe in a wildfire zone?
No. Tempe is a fully urbanized city without formal wildfire zones. The main fire risks are structural fires and occasional vegetation fires near desert edges.
Do I need fire-resistant building materials in Tempe?
No WUI-specific building codes apply. Standard International Fire Code provisions govern all construction in Tempe.
Is there fire risk near Papago Park?
Vegetation fires can occur in desert areas near Papago Park and the Salt River bottom. Properties nearby should maintain defensible space.
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