The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department has initiated its annual fire ban ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

“We typically try to wait until after Memorial Day weekend to implement our fire ban. However, this winter the parks received an abundance of rain which produced a super bloom of wildflowers, thick brush, and ground coverage,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director. “This vegetation has now dried out, and conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition as seen by the Cactus Fire which occurred in close proximity to Usery Mountain Regional Park.

“To ensure park visitor and park resource safety, we believe the decision to implement sooner rather than later is the responsible thing to do.”

A fire ban is initiated to limit the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause serious damage to the parks. 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. Violations of the ban may result in a citation.

It is also important to note that during this time of year, the National Weather Service often issues red flag warnings across central Arizona to alert land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildfire ignition.

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. A date to lift the fire ban has not been identified and will be determined by the amount of rain Maricopa County receives during the monsoon season.

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

Questions regarding the fire ban can be addressed by contacting the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at 602-506-2930, or visit maricopacountyparks.net/.