Backyard recreational fires in Tucson must be in a manufactured fire pit, chiminea, or similar appliance under 3 feet in diameter, located at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible vegetation, and attended by an adult with a water source available. Fires must be extinguished by 11 PM.
Tucson Fire enforces International Fire Code Section 307 for recreational fires. Only seasoned firewood, charcoal, or propane fuel is permitted. Burning trash, treated wood, or yard debris is prohibited. Fire pits must not be operated during burn bans or when Pima DEQ issues a high-pollution advisory. The 15-foot clearance can be reduced to 5 feet for small contained appliances such as chimineas under 2 feet in diameter. HOAs in Sabino Canyon, Rancho Vistoso, and foothill communities often impose stricter rules.
Violations start at 250 dollars and increase to 1,000 dollars for repeat offenses. If the fire escapes and causes brush damage, the owner may be billed for suppression costs ranging into the thousands.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tucson Code Chapter 16 (Neighborhood Pr...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs. Tu...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in master-planne...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs through the Planning and Development S...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson has no specific city ordinance regulating residential smokers or pellet grills. Smoke nuisance may be addressed under Tucson Code Section 16-31 (exces...
Tucson, AZ
Tucson Fire Department enforces the International Fire Code with local amendments. Per Tucson's BBQ and Open Flame Devices handout, 20-lb propane cylinders m...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle backyard fires.
See how Tucson's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.