Pima County, AZ Fire Regulations: Wildfire Zones (2026)

Pima County has adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) to regulate construction and land management in designated WUI zones. The highest-risk areas include the Catalina Foothills (especially above Skyline Drive), Tanque Verde Valley foothills, areas adjacent to Saguaro National Park East and West units, and communities along the Coronado National Forest boundary in the Santa Catalina and Rincon mountain ranges. The WUI code requires Class A fire-rated roofing materials, fire-resistant exterior siding, ember-resistant vents, and defensible space zones around structures. New construction in WUI zones must meet access road width requirements for fire apparatus (minimum 20-foot unobstructed width) and adequate turnaround areas. The county works with multiple fire districts including Northwest Fire District, Drexel Heights Fire District, Rincon Valley Fire District, and Green Valley Fire District, each of which may impose additional requirements. The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) identifies high-risk areas and prioritizes fuel reduction projects. Climate change and drought conditions have increased fire risk, with the 2020 Bighorn Fire on the Santa Catalinas demonstrating the threat to WUI communities.