The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department (MCPRD) will begin its annual fire ban on Monday, May 1. The City of Phoenix Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual fire ban goes into effect on the same day.
The department’s annual fire ban dates are consistent with the county’s air quality department’s burn activity regulations. These regulations prohibit outdoor recreational fires within the boundaries of Area A from May 1 through September 30. This area encompasses all of Maricopa County’s regional parks.
“Maricopa County received abundant rainfall this winter, which allowed the wildflowers in the park to bloom spectacularly.” Enforcing a fire ban can seriously damage park resources, threaten the safety of park visitors, and pose a danger to homes near many parks. It limits the possibility of starting wildfires.”
MCPRD said it was also important for the National Weather Service to issue a red flag warning in central Arizona at this time of year to alert land management agencies of ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite. If this occurs prior to a fire ban, the park supervisor has the authority to issue a temporary fire ban to ensure public safety and protect park resources.
When a temporary fire prevention order is issued, the information will be posted on the website and notified to visitors upon entering the park. The park will also stop selling firewood during this time.
Due to the fire ban, no campfires, fire pits or charcoal grills are allowed. However, it is still permissible to use gas/propane grills in designated areas such as campsites in development and under development. Campfires are not permitted on the shoreline of Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Anyone violating the fire ban may be fined under Rule 314, Section 312.
Smoking in the park is also not recommended due to the extremely dry conditions. The MCPRD is asking everyone to be responsible and make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished and trashed.
September 30th is the traditional day for the fire protection to be lifted, but it may be extended. Park staff monitor rainfall and vegetation conditions within the park during the summer to determine if an extension is necessary.
Contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at 602-506-2930 or maricopa.gov/parks for additional information.
