Annual Phoenix parks fire ban set to go into effect Friday

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is implementing its annual fire ban in the city’s desert parks and mountain preserves starting Friday.

In a press release Monday, the parks department announced that those using the parks and mountain preserves are prohibited from having fires, unless otherwise specified in a designated location.

The fire ban applies to Camelback Mountain, Deem Hills Recreation Area, Papago Park, Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Phoenix Sonoran Preserve, North Mountain Park, Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area and South Mountain Park/Preserve.

Those using the parks are prohibited from having open, wood or charcoal fires. Propane and gas grills are permitted but must be in established picnic areas, according to the release.

Smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle is also not allowed.

The ban does not apply to the city’s flatland parks, the release said.

The fire ban is the latest to go into effect in the state.

Campfires at the six national forests in Arizona are banned through June 30 to avoid the use of fire and medical resources for human-caused wildfires amid the coronavirus outbreak. Those who violate the ban could face fines, jail time and an appearance in federal court.

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