Maricopa County, AZ Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

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. Fireplaces, Woodstoves, and Chimeneas Burning anything other than gaseous fuels (including gas logs) in a fireplace, woodstove, or chimenea is prohibited on a No Burn Day. When burn restrictions are not in effect, only gaseous fuels or clean, dry wood can be burned. Fires for Cooking Fires for cooking must use gaseous fuels or clean, dry wood. Fires for cooking are allowed on a No Burn Day if the fire is used to cook, smoke, or flavor food for immediate human consumption, and all of the following requirements are met: Begin cooking without delay once the fire is established Extinguish the fire without delay once all parts of the food are suitable for human consumption The dimensions of the fire shall not exceed two square feet, unless a larger fire is necessary to ensure all parts of the food will reach the safe internal temperature recommended by the Department of Agriculture

Fires Prohibited from May 1 – September 30 in Area A Warmth for human beings Recreational purposes Wood-burning chimeneas and outdoor pits Branding of animals Fines

Fines for improper burning in fireplaces, chimeneas, and woodstoves at residential locations, under Ordinance P-26, range from $50 – $250 depending on the number of violations issued to the individual. The minimum fine for an illegal outdoor fire under Rule 314 is $200.