Annual fire ban set to begin in Maricopa County, Phoenix parks

PHOENIX — As the summer months approach, fire bans at Maricopa County and Phoenix parks and preserves are set to begin in May.

In effect from May 1 through Sept. 30, the fire ban includes the use of campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills.

Campfires along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park are also prohibited, according to a press release.

Smoking in Maricopa County parks is still allowed, while smoking outside enclosed vehicles is prohibited year-round in Phoenix parks and preserves.

People can continue to use gas/propane grills but only in designated areas, such as semi-developed and developed camping sites in Maricopa County parks and at established picnic areas in Phoenix parks and preserves.

The fire ban in Phoenix includes Camelback Mountain, Deem Hills Recreation Area, Lookout Mountain, 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.

City flatland parks are not included in the fire ban.

All Maricopa County regional parks are included in the fire ban.

The fire bans are put into effect to limit the possibility of a brush fire starting, according to the release, as fuel for a fire such as dried grasses, brush and fallen leaves increase as the temperature rises.

Most of the state is also experiencing extreme drought conditions, leaving vegetation extremely dry and ideal for wildfire ignition, according to the release.

While both bans are in effect until Sept. 30, the bans could be extended depending on precipitation levels and vegetation conditions.

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