The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will initiate its annual fire ban Tuesday, May 28.

“This winter, portions of the Valley received a significant amount of rain. While the showers produced a beautiful wildflower season, they also increased fuel loads of ground coverage and brush in the parks which intensifies the possibility of wildfires. As a precaution, the department will initiate its annual fire after Memorial Day weekend,” said Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director R.J. Cardin.

“The fire ban includes the use of campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills; however, it is still acceptable to use gas/propane grills in designated areas such as the ramada areas, semi-developed and developed camping sites and along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park,” said Maricopa County Supervisors’ Chairman Andy Kunasek.

The ban applies to McDowell Mountain Regional Park, sandwiched between Fountain Hills and Rio Verde.

“The National Weather Service has issued several red flag warnings across central Arizona over the past few weeks to alert land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition.

"If we continue to experience high winds, the park supervisors have been authorized to issue a park specific temporary fire ban to ensure public safety and protect the park resources. When temporary fire bans are issued, information will be posted under the “alert tab” of the parks website page and park visitors will be notified as they enter the park,” Cardin added.