A "No Burn Day" issued in Maricopa County for Friday, April 22

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department has declared a No Burn Day for Friday, April 22 due to elevated levels of PM-10 (dust).

Restrictions

• Wood burning in residential fireplaces, chimeneas, outdoor fire pits, and similar outdoor fires is prohibited in Maricopa County. This includes individuals and businesses which have burn permits for open burning.
• Employees and contractors of government entities are prohibited from operating leaf blowers. Residents are encouraged to avoid leaf blowing.
• Off-road vehicle use should be avoided.

Take Action

• Eliminate wood burning in fireplaces, stoves, chimeneas, and outdoor fire pits.
• Convert your wood burning fireplace to natural gas or propane. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000 to upgrade your fireplace to natural gas by visiting CleanAirMakeMore.com/fireplace.
• Avoid using leaf blowers. Use a rake or broom to keep debris out of the road and away from storm drains, ditches, and streams.
• Use electric lawn and garden equipment. Check if you are eligible to receive up to $200 to replace gasoline powered lawn equipment by visiting CleanAirMakeMore.com/lawn.
• Drive as little as possible: carpool, use public transit, or telecommute. For information on transportation alternatives, visit ShareTheRide.com.
• Reduce your time waiting in long drive-thru lines. For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. Park your vehicle and go inside.
• Fuel your vehicle after dark or during cooler evening hours.
• Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints, stains, finishes, and paint strippers.
• Make sure containers of household cleaners, garage and yard chemicals, and other solvents are sealed properly to prevent vapors from evaporating into the air. 

Regulated Businesses

Businesses conducting dust-generating operations need to be vigilant of their dust control measures. Workers may need to cease operating, after stabilizing disturbed areas, if water application and other dust control measures prove ineffective.

Transportation Coordinators

Due to high levels of particulate matter, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department requests Transportation Coordinators encourage employee use of alternative modes of transportation.