Phoenix Fire Ban At Desert Parks, Preserves Starts May 1

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's annual open fire ban at the city's desert parks and mountain preserves goes into effect on May 1.

The move, which coincides with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation's annual fire ban, prohibits smoking and charcoal fires within the parks.

The ban is due to the extreme fire danger that comes from the combination of low humidity, high temperatures, excessively dry vegetation and high winds in the area, the city said.

Facilities that are included in the ban include:

• Camelback Mountain
• Deem Hills Recreation Area
• Lookout Mountain
• Papago Park
• Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area
• Phoenix Mountains Preserve
• Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
• North Mountain Park
• Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
• South Mountain Park and Preserve

The city's fire ban does not apply to flatland parks.

The following types of activities are prohibited under the city's fire ban:

• Open wood and charcoal fires
• Propane or gas grills, outside of picnic areas
• Smoking outside enclosed vehicles
• Fireworks

Those that live near the mountain parks and preserves are asked to create 10-foot "buffer zones" by removing dry shrubs and other vegetation.

Anyone living near the parks and preserves are also asked to ensure that irrigation lines and pool hoses are functioning properly to prevent dense vegetation growth, the city said.