Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is enforcing its yearly fire ban a month before normal due to heavy rainfall. The ban will begin May 1 instead of Memorial Day.
“Given the abundance of rain we’ve received this year, we’ve had an outstanding wildflower season,” said Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director R.J. Cardin. “Unfortunately, as the blooms and brush die off and dry out, the parks are left with dangerous levels of fuel loads on the ground that can ignite a wildfire with just a small spark.”
“As a land manager, we believe the decision to implement sooner rather than later is the responsible thing to do to ensure park visitor and park resource safety.”
The ban regulates campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills. Gas or propane grills can still be used in designated areas. Designated areas include: ramadas, semi-developed and developed camping sites, and around Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Smoking is still permitted.
So far, a date to lift the ban has not been announced, but it’ll depend on the amount of rain Arizona receives during the monsoon season.
Here is the list of the Maricopa County parks affected by the fire ban:
- Adobe Dam Regional Park
- Buckeye Hills Regional Park
- Cave Creek Regional Park
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park
- Hassayampa River Preserve
- Lake Pleasant Regional Park
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park
- San Tan Mountain Regional Park
- Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
- Usery Mountain Regional Park
- Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
- White Tank Mountain Regional Park
