Open Burn Permits Make a Comeback: What You Need to Know After 155 Days

Pinal County has lifted a moratorium on open burn permits, now allowing residents in unincorporated Maricopa to safely dispose of trash through burning. This change took effect today, benefiting those looking to manage landscape waste responsibly.

Residents must obtain a permit to burn plant material measuring 20 cubic feet or less on properties located outside the city limits of Maricopa or Florence. These permits remain valid until April 30, 2025.

According to Thunderbird Fire District Chief Allen Alcott, burn permits are essential for maintaining safety and awareness of fire activity in the region. They also serve an educational purpose, providing residents with guidelines for safe burning practices. “The burn permit has my number, so people can say, ‘Hey, we’re burning at this place,’” said Alcott. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared with proper tools like shovels and water, along with clearing the area around the burn site.

Alcott cautioned that burning without a permit could lead to citations or even arrests, along with the risk of igniting unintended brush fires. “I don’t like seeing people get tickets and get cited for not doing things correctly when it’s very easy to get,” he stated.

For those interested, permits can be acquired online or in person at the Development Services building in Florence, costing as little as $2. Permits are issued from Monday to Thursday between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., with processing times of up to 24 hours.