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FLORENCE - Pinal County Air Quality will soon stop issuing burn permits. The county says the more frequent winter rains this year have contributed to wildflower, brush and native plant growth, which will soon dry.

This annual cycle of rising temperatures will quickly dry seasonal vegetation, leading to an acute wildfire risk in the desert and upland areas of the County.

Typically, the issuance of open burning permits lasts until the end of April, with all permits expiring by May 1.

Pinal County Air Quality urges residents to apply now if they wish to obtain a permit.

"Burn permits most commonly requested so that people can safely dispose of leaves, branches and other wood debris on their property without having to haul it away," says Don Gabrielson, Director of Pinal County's Air Quality program."This is safe to do only until the desert starts drying and our air quality begins to decline due to the summer heat and weather effects."

"The suspension will continue until the summer monsoons arrive and mitigate the dual risks to public safety and public health," Gabrielson says.

This means that as of April 1, Pinal County Air Quality will only issue three-day open burning permits. All permits will expire by May 1.

Pinal County Air Quality will suspend the issuance of all open burning permits starting April 29.

Additional information on the Pinal County Air Quality program can be found at www.pinalcountyaz.gov or by calling the Pinal County Air Quality Division at 520-866-6929.