Oro Valley, AZ Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 49-501 governs open burning statewide and designates the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) as the primary regulator. Open burning of household trash, garbage, construction debris, and painted or treated wood is prohibited throughout Arizona. Yard waste burning (tree trimmings, leaves, brush) requires an ADEQ open burning permit and is subject to conditions including wind speed limits, no-burn days, and proximity restrictions to neighboring properties. In Oro Valley, the Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) provides additional regulation and enforcement of outdoor burning. GRFD issues seasonal burn restrictions and burn bans during periods of elevated fire danger, which are common during the dry late spring and early summer months. During a burn ban, all outdoor burning including recreational fires may be prohibited. The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality may also declare no-burn days during poor air quality conditions related to dust storms, inversions, or wildfire smoke. Residents must check current burn status before any outdoor burning by contacting GRFD or checking the ADEQ burn status page. Cooking fires in approved barbecue grills and smokers are generally exempt from burn restrictions. Burning in open pits or barrels is prohibited in Oro Valley residential areas.