Outdoor burning rules in Surprise, AZ — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris is prohibited in Surprise. The Maricopa County Air Quality Department bans open burning in the PM-10 nonattainment area, which includes all of Surprise. Only recreational fires (fire pits, grills) are permitted under specific conditions.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, leaves, and construction debris is prohibited in Surprise under Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) regulations. The entire Phoenix metropolitan area, including Surprise, is a PM-10 nonattainment area where open burning is banned. Residential yard waste must be disposed of through city solid waste services or taken to transfer stations. Recreational fires for cooking and warmth (barbecue grills, fire pits, chimineas) are permitted if they use clean-burning fuels and do not create nuisance smoke. MCAQD may issue no-burn days during winter inversions when wood-burning fire pits and fireplaces must not be used. Agricultural burns on qualifying properties require MCAQD permits. Contact MCAQD at (602) 506-6010 for air quality regulations. Surprise Fire-Medical at (623) 222-4810 handles fire safety concerns.
Open burning violates MCAQD rules with fines up to $10,000 per day. Using wood-burning devices during no-burn days carries separate penalties. Contact MCAQD at (602) 506-6010 or Surprise Fire at (623) 222-4810.
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