County Parks’ Annual Fire Ban Implemented

The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on May 29.

 “Due to the extremely dry conditions within the parks and the lack of moisture received this winter, the department will prohibit any fires on Maricopa County park property,” stated Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock, chairman. “This includes banning the use of all campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills.  It is still acceptable to use gas/propane grills in designated areas,” added Brock.

The fire ban is initiated to limit the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause serious damage to the parks. Violation of this park rule, Rule 113, may result in a citation. A date to lift the fire ban has not been designated and will be determined by the amount of rain Maricopa County receives during the monsoon season.

There are ten Maricopa County parks that will be affected by the fire ban: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park (excludes turf area), San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.

Smoking in the parks is still permissible, but all park users are strongly encouraged to be responsible in their use and ensure that all cigarettes are properly extinguished and placed in trash receptacles.

If you have any questions regarding the fire ban, call the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 506-2930, or visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.