7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational fires for cooking, warmth, or enjoyment using clean dry wood or charcoal do not require a permit in Maricopa County. Propane and natural gas fire pits are allowed without restriction. Open burning of yard waste, trash, or other materials requires a permit from ADEQ or the Maricopa County Air Quality Department. No-burn days are declared during poor air quality periods.
Maricopa County Ordinance P-26 / Rule 314
Burning Activities The Air Quality Department regulates burn activities because the process of burning wood and other materials produces fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other toxins that can be harmful to your health. This page summarizes common types of burning activities and restrictions. Most burning restrictions apply throughout Maricopa County, while some apply only in Area A...
Consumer fireworks are LEGAL in unincorporated Maricopa County per ARS §36-1606. Permissible fireworks include ground-based and handheld items (sparklers, fountains, ground spinners). Aerial fireworks remain illegal. No county restrictions beyond state law apply.
ARS §36-1606
36-1606. 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...
Maricopa County does not have a mandatory defensible space or brush clearance ordinance for most unincorporated areas. The low-desert climate limits vegetation-driven fire risk in populated zones. Rural fire districts in wildland-urban interface areas near the Tonto National Forest may have their own clearance guidelines. Property maintenance ordinance P-11 requires lots to be free of fire hazards.
MCAQD strictly regulates outdoor burning in all of Maricopa County including unincorporated areas. Open burning requires permits and is prohibited on no-burn days. Burn permits available through MCAQD. Agricultural and land-clearing burns have specific rules.
Most of unincorporated Maricopa County's populated areas are in the low desert with minimal wildfire risk. Wildland-urban interface areas exist in the far northeastern mountainous portions near the Tonto National Forest. Arizona State Forestry and rural fire districts manage wildfire risk in those areas. No county-wide wildfire zone ordinance applies.
Unincorporated Maricopa County applies Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1637, which requires an approved smoke detector in each new residential housing unit and in any existing unit where a sleeping area is remodeled under permit. Tenants maintain the device; landlords must repair after written notice and notify tenants of these duties.
Propane storage in unincorporated Maricopa County is regulated by the fire code. Tanks over 500 gallons require permits. Setback distances from structures and property lines apply.
10 cities in Maricopa County have their own fire regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
8 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
7 verified rules • Backyard Fires, Brush Clearance
6 verified rules • Brush Clearance, Fire Pit Rules
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