Burn Permits

The following is general guidance on when burn permits may or may not be required. Please contact Fire Prevention if you have questions. Additional information is contained in the Open Burning and Recreational Fires brochure(PDF, 502KB).   

Always keep fire safety in mind when conducting permissible burning. Never leave fires unattended and make sure they are contained to pits, chimeneas or outside fireplaces. Keep fires far away from structures or any combustible materials, and always have a fire extinguisher, hose, or other way way to immediately extinguish a fire close at hand.    

Personal Use/Recreational Fires

Small, contained, fires for human use such as recreational, warming, or cooking fires, do not require a permit, but are still subject to Maricopa County restrictions for No Burn Days. Farming operations may also use approved oil-burning devices such as orchard heaters designed for frost protection.

Yard Waste or Trash Fires  

Burning of trash, weeds, leaves, tree branches, and any other rubbish or household trash is prohibited in the City of Mesa.

All Other Fires

All other fires, such as Open Burns and Bonfires, require a permit issued by the MFMD Fire Prevention Division.  

  • Call 480-644-2622 to request a permit at least 48 hours before burning (Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:30).
  • Currently, we do not charge for burn permits. 
  • If approved -
    • you can only burn logs
    • you must follow no burn day restrictions issued by Maricopa County. Call 602-506-6400 prior to lighting the fire. 
    • On the day of the burn, call the Mesa Alarm Room to advise them before and after the burn at 480-644-2400.
    • Be aware that there are circumstances where we may still order you to extinguish a fire, particularly if complaints are received about offensive smoke emissions. 
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