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Arizona Statewide Rule

Arizona Outdoor Burning Permits and Air Quality Rules

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arizona (2026)

Key Facts

Air quality authority
ADEQ A.R.S. Title 49
Forestry authority
DFFM A.R.S. Title 37
Maricopa County
Most burns prohibited
No-burn days
Mandatory compliance
Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Arizona State Legislature

Summary

Arizona regulates open burning through ADEQ air quality rules and DFFM forestry statutes, requiring permits for most outdoor burns and prohibiting burns during no-burn declarations.

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other section of this article: 1. It is unlawful for any person to ignite, cause to be ignited, permit to be ignited, or suffer, allow, or maintain any open outdoor fire except as provided in this section. 2. From May 1 through September 30 each year, it is unlawful for any person to ignite, cause to be ignited, permit to be ignited or suffer, allow or maintain any open outdoor fire in area A as defined in section 49-541.

Source: Arizona State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Outdoor burning in Arizona is governed by Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) air quality rules under A.R.S. Title 49 and Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) authority under A.R.S. Title 37. Burns generally require a permit from the local fire authority or DFFM, must follow smoke management practices, and are prohibited during ADEQ no-burn day declarations or DFFM fire restrictions. Maricopa County prohibits most residential open burning year-round.

Violations & Penalties

Illegal burning may result in fines from $50 to $1,000 per day; causing wildfire damage may trigger felony charges and full cost recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn yard waste in Arizona?
Generally yes. Most counties and the State Forester require a burn permit, and Maricopa County prohibits residential open burning of yard waste outright.
What is an Arizona no-burn day?
ADEQ or county air quality departments declare no-burn days when forecasts predict poor air quality. All open burning, including permitted burns, must cease until lifted.

Sources

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