FLORENCE, AZ – Pinal County Air Quality will resume issuing open burning permits in portions of Pinal County on September 17, 2012. The ban originally went into effect in late April to mitigate the risk of wildfire. Recent rains and higher humidity levels have reduced the fire risk in many areas.

The ban on open burning will remain in effect where local fire departments still regard open fires as a threat, including the Oracle and Dudleyville Fire Districts.

State law prohibits open burning in the portion of north central Pinal County that includes Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Gold Canyon and San Tan Valley. This region, referred to as Area A, is affected by more stringent air quality regulations that prohibit open burning until October 1.

On September 17, 2012 Pinal County Air Quality will also resume holding satellite office hours at the Casa Grande County Complex located at 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Building A, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to noon.

For additional information on open burning or for an application for a burn permit, see the Air Quality Division’s website at http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/AirQuality/Pages/BurnPermits.aspx or call the Pinal County Air Quality Division at 520-866-6929.