Cooking and/or small recreational fires do NOT require a permit from the City of Yuma Fire Department. The definition of a recreational fire is the noncommercial burning of materials other than rubbish for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, or similar purposes in which the fuel burned is not contained in an incinerator, a barbecue grill, or a barbecue pit, and the total fuel area is not exceeding 3 feet in diameter, and 2 feet in height. A way to extinguish the fire shall be located within immediate reach, and the fire shall be supervised until such fire has been extinguished. These fires should also be at least 10 feet from property lines or anything combustible.

If the recreational or cooking fire is larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, it is considered to be a bonfire. Bonfires DO require a permit from the City of Yuma Fire Department. There are restrictions on the size of the bonfire, and there may also be restrictions imposed on the type of materials allowed for burning. An application must be completed and a site plan provided. Fire extinguishers and/or a water source must be available to prevent the fire from getting out of hand. The fire must be constantly attended until it is completely extinguished. The permit may be revoked if emissions from the fire create excessive air pollution, a public nuisance, or a safety hazard.

A permit is also required for any open burning exceeding the definition of a cooking and/or small recreational fire.

**During air pollution emergency episodes, certain fires may be prohibited.**

The City of Yuma Fire Department must be notified prior to setting a bonfire and again after the fire is out.

To obtain a burn permit with the City of Yuma, please call 928-373-4850, or visit us in Fire Administration at City Hall, 1 City Plaza.