Burn Permits
Can I have a bon fire or burn leaves, tree branches and brush?
The Joseph City Fire District wants to remind Joseph City residents of the open burn regulations. An open burn is any type of outdoor fire where the smoke does not pass through a chimney or have any enclosed chamber.
Recreational fires (cook-outs) are permitted. Recreational fires cannot be larger than 3 feet or less in diameter and a maximum of 2 feet in height and can only burn for a maximum of 3 hours. This type of fire does not require a permit.
Ceremonial fires (bonfires) are also permitted. Examples of ceremonial fires are flag decommissioning, Boy Scout ceremonies, etc. These fires may be a maximum of 5 feet in diameter and a maximum of 5 feet in height and can burn for a maximum of 3 hours. This type of fire does require a permit from the fire department.
There are a few regulations you should be aware of for any type of open burn:
Only use clean, dry wood for the fire.
Never burn yard waste (grass, tree limbs, leaves, etc.), garbage, furniture, asphalt shingles, construction waste, tires, plastic, or dead animals.
The burning of materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt, liquid petroleum products, plastics, or building material is prohibited.
Have a means to extinguish the fire close by (garden hose, fire extinguisher, or bucket of sand or dirt).
Have adult supervision at all times.
Make sure the area around the fire is clear of all combustibles and that the open burning is no closer than 50 feet to any structure for recreational fires and 50 feet for bonfires (ceremonial fires). Fires in containers (warming fires) shall be a minimum of 50 feet from a structure.
Open burning shall be prohibited when an air alert, warning, or emergency is in effect.
Fire pits and charcoal grills do not generally fall under the category of an open burn. However, only clean wood or charcoal should used in a fire pit or grill.
Also be aware that even if your fire is within the legal limits, there are still some instances where the fire department will ask you to extinguish the fire. If the smoke is bothering a neighbor or creating a roadway hazard, you may be asked to extinguish the fire.
Another type of legal open burn requires a permit. These types of fires are generally termed “vegetation burn off”. They can be used to clear overgrown vegetation, for agricultural management, or for fire prevention measures. Per ADEQ law, you must have a valid open burn permit to condut this type of burn.
Any type of fire that does not fall within the above guidelines is considered an illegal open burn. If the fire department determines that a fire is illegal, they will either ask you to immediately extinguish the fire or they will extinguish it for you. Multiple offenses by the same property owner will result in the fire department turning that person in to Navajo County Sheriffs Office. This can result in citations and fines.
Feel free to have a cook-out in your back yard this summer. Just be aware of and follow the regulations. Also, be aware of the weather conditions. If it is a windy day, it is not a good idea to start a fire. The wind can blow the flames to nearby vegetation or a building and quickly cause a small fire to become out of control. Open burning of any kind is prohibited on air pollution advisory days. Make sure that you are aware of your surroundings as well. If your neighbors are close by, it’s a good idea to let them know you will be having a cook-out. Let them know when and for how long, and also ask them to let you know if the smoke bothers them.
If you have questions about whether your fire is permitted or not, or to obtain a burn permit, contact Chief DeSpain @ 928-587-5641 or Chief Brooks @ 928-242-0478