PHOENIX – If you're planning on visiting Maricopa County regional parks over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, please leave your cigarettes in your car or at home.
Outdoor smoking was banned in parks from Monday as authorities expanded existing fire restrictions, with smoking only permitted in enclosed vehicles and campervans.
Smokers should also ensure that their smoking materials are completely extinguished and disposed of properly.
of Regional Park System The city of Phoenix already has a fire ban in place. Wildfire season burning restrictionsValid from May 1st to September 30th each year.
As a result, all campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills will be prohibited.
However, gas/propane grills are only permitted in designated areas, which include ramada areas and semi-developed and developed campgrounds.
Why is outdoor smoking prohibited in Maricopa County Regional Parks?
The smoking restrictions were added after nearby wildfires put several park areas at risk.
“Our teams have been strategically clearing brush to create firebreaks and protected space, but there is only so much our teams can do,” Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director RJ Cardin said in a press release. “Given the current situation, we have made the decision to strengthen our fire restrictions to include smoking. This action is not a knee-jerk reaction to the current situation, but a preventative measure to keep park visitors, natural resources and the communities surrounding our parks safe.”
Fire restrictions apply to the following recreational facilities:
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park
- Adobe Dam Regional Park
- Buckeye Hills Regional Park
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park
- Hassayampa River Conservation Area
- San Tan Mountain Regional Park
- Ussary Mountain Regional Park
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park
- Cave Creek Regional Park
- Sparkcross Ranch Preserve
Varying levels of fire restrictions are also in place in other recreation areas across the state, including national forests and state trust lands.
