ARIZONA NEWS

Annual fire ban set to begin in Maricopa County, some Arizona national forests

May 1, 2022, 6:30 AM | Updated: May 2, 2022, 12:52 pm

(KTAR Photo/Jim Cross)...

(KTAR Photo/Jim Cross)

(KTAR Photo/Jim Cross)

PHOENIX — As temperatures heat up across the state, city officials have put in place an annual fire ban in desert parks and preserves starting Sunday.

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

The fire ban includes Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, South Mountain Park/Preserve and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It doesn’t apply to city flatland parks.

“The department’s annual fire ban dates align with the county’s Air Quality Department burn activity regulations. Under these regulations, outdoor recreational fires are prohibited within Area A’s boundaries between May 1 and September 30. This area encompasses all of our regional parks,” R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director, said in a press release.

Smoking is included in the ban on Phoenix parks and preserves but will still be allowed in county parks.

The bans go into effect due to the combination of low humidity, increased temperatures, dry vegetation and frequent high winds each spring brings on.

While both bans are in effect until Sept. 30, the bans could be extended.

Elsewhere, national forests in central and northern Arizona will soon be implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions, as will the Bureau of Land Management’s Phoenix and Colorado River districts.

Starting at 8 a.m. on May 5, the Coconino, Kaibab (Williams and Tusayan ranger districts), Prescott, Tonto and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests will implement fire and smoking restrictions.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited unless used within a developed recreation site, according to a press release. Fireworks are always prohibited.

Restrictions remain in effect until forest service officials determine conditions have changed enough to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Global Credit Union Arena at GCU...

Damon Allred

GCU Arena to be renamed Global Credit Union Arena following rights partnership

GCU and Global Credit Union have agreed to a multi-year deal, renaming their arena Global Credit Union Arena at Grand Canyon University.

35 minutes ago

caution tape across police car...

KTAR.com

Motorcyclist dies after crash with vehicle in Phoenix

A motorcyclist died after a crash with a vehicle in Phoenix on Monday night, authorities said.

2 hours ago

Renderings of the exterior and interior of the Hale Concert Hall, which is set to open in January 2...

Kevin Stone

Hale Centre Theatre opening concert hall in downtown Gilbert in 2024

The Hale Centre Theatre is opening a music venue next month, bringing another entertainment option to downtown Gilbert.

3 hours ago

File photo of a Phoenix Police Department logo. A 58-year-old man suffered "a medical episode" whil...

KTAR.com

Man dies after suffering ‘medical episode’ while in Phoenix Police custody

A 58-year-old man died last week after suffering "a medical episode" while in Phoenix Police custody.

5 hours ago

File phot of a Phoenix Fire truck at night. Seven people were hospitalized after a collision near M...

KTAR.com

7 people hospitalized after 2-vehicle collision in west Phoenix

Seven people were hospitalized, including one in extremely critical condition, after a collision in west Phoenix on Monday evening.

6 hours ago

The Children’s Equity Project Executive Director Dr. Shantel Meek talks before a crowd. (​Balin...

Balin Overstolz McNair

Early care and education system underserving kids in Arizona, report says

A new report has found Arizona's early care and education (ECE) system is underserving kids, especially those from marginalized communities.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Follow @KTAR923...

West Hunsaker at Morris Hall supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR's Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University: innovating Arizona health care education

Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus near Loop 101 and 59th Avenue is an established leader in health care education and one of Arizona’s largest and most valuable health care resources.

...

SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER

Key dates for Arizona sports fans to look forward to this fall

Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.

Annual fire ban set to begin in Maricopa County, some Arizona national forests