Pinal County is tightening restrictions on burn permits as the wildfire risk increases with the coming dry season. Starting on April 2nd, only 3-day open burning permits will be issued by Pinal County Air Quality officials, with all permits expiring by the 1st of May. From April 30th onwards, no further permits will be available, according to an announcement made on the county's website.
This decision affects the disposal of plant material by open burning during specified daytime hours, which is a common practice in Pinal County. In addition to this temporary suspension, State law prohibits open burning from May 1 through September 30 in Area A, which encompasses Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley, and parts of Florence. This statutory ban aligns with the period when rising temperatures herald an increased threat of wildfires, putting both public safety and health at risk.
For those seeking to apply for the 3-day permit before the cut-off date, Pinal County offers several options. Permits can be obtained in person at the Florence office on 85 N. Florence St., or using a Kiosk at the Mammoth office located at 118 Catalina St. An online application system is also available for submissions 24/7, although the processing of permits is restricted to the county's office working hours from Monday to Thursday. As Pinal County's notice indicates, processing may take up to 24 hours.
Residents looking for more information on the changes to open burning permits can visit the Pinal County Air Quality program's website or reach out by calling (520) 866-6929.
