Residential Fireplaces and Burning

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department regulates the use of wood burning in residential fireplaces, woodstoves and outdoor burning devices during periods of high particulate matter (dust) pollution.

Wood burning is regulated when pollution levels rise because the process of burning wood can produce fine particulate matter that can be harmful to your lungs. It can also produce carbon monoxide and other toxins that can harm your health.

The county's air pollution is monitored by several air quality monitors located in and around Maricopa County. When conditions arise, state forecasters issue a high pollution advisory [HPA]. Once that happens, the Air Quality Department Director may issue a No Burn Day restriction prohibiting all fireplace, woodstove and outdoor burning devices. This includes the use of manufactured logs.

FINES

Fines range from $50 up to $250 depending on the number of wood burning violations an individual receives per year.

RESTRICTION PARAMETERS

No Burn Day (wood burning) restrictions are typically issued during a high pollution advisory [HPA]. Restrictions last for a 24-hour period starting at midnight the day the HPA is issued.

RESOURCES

Call

(602) 506-6400

for recorded advisory information every day

or

Check the Air Quality Department Home Page Burn Restrictions Advisory

Sign up to receive an Email, Text or Tweet on a No Burn Day:

Email alerts or text messages visit www.CleanAirMakeMore.com and click “Make the Commitment”.

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EXEMPTIONS

If you need an exemption for your fireplace or woodstove, call:

(602) 372-3456 or (602) 372-3457

Residential Sole Source of Heat Exemption: If the woodburning device is the sole source of heat or fuel for cooking in the residence it is exempt from this ordinance. No other oil, natural gas, electricity, or propane furnace or heating systems can be installed in the residence. The resident must have applied for an exemption to this ordinance prior to December 31, 1995. Residential Sole Source of Heat exemptions will not be issued after this date.

Temporary Sole Source of Heat Exemption: These exemptions may be issued if the applicant has an economic or health issue. An applicant would need to qualify for financial assistance under the Food Stamps, Medicaid, or low income energy assistance programs, or have a direct health danger to qualify for this exemption. A Temporary Sole Source of Heat Exemption shall not be issued for more than 150 days.

Emergency Exemptions: These exemptions may be issued if the County Control Officer determines that an emergency situation exists. Some examples of emergency situations include inoperable residential heating systems (for reasons other than the actions of the resident) or cases where a resident's heating system has been involuntarily disconnected by a utility company. These exemptions may not be issued for periods greater than one year.

Inadequate Alternate Source of Heat Exemption: This exemption may be granted if the residence has a heating system installed (other than a woodburning device), but that system is not the sole source of heat in the residence and is unable to heat the residence to a minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The residence must comply with all applicable building code requirements. This exemption may not be issued after December 31, 1995. However, exemptions that were issued before this date may be renewed on a annual basis.

EPA Information on Buying an EPA-Certified Wood Stove. List of current EPA-Certified Wood Stoves.

To report violations:
Use the On-Line Complaint form
or call (602) 372-2703
8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday
(Voice mail is available after business hours)