Oro Valley, AZ Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

The Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) provides fire protection services to Oro Valley and regulates outdoor fire activities. Recreational fires, including fire pits, must comply with the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by GRFD. Fire pits must be contained in a noncombustible enclosure (metal, stone, or masonry), not exceed 3 feet in diameter, and maintain at least 25 feet of clearance from any structure, fence, or combustible material. A portable fire extinguisher, garden hose, or other extinguishing equipment must be readily available. Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished before leaving. The Golder Ranch Fire District issues stage restrictions and burn bans during periods of high fire danger, which are common in the Sonoran Desert during late spring and early summer. During a burn ban, all outdoor fires including fire pits may be prohibited. Natural gas and propane fire features that are permanently plumbed and have a shutoff valve are generally exempt from burn bans but must still maintain required clearances. Many Oro Valley HOAs have additional fire pit regulations, including restrictions on wood-burning fire pits and requirements for architectural review committee approval before installation. The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas along the Catalina foothills face the strictest fire restrictions.