The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will lift its annual fire ban on Friday, Oct. 9. This allows park visitors to use campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills.

“We typically try to lift the fire ban prior to Labor Day weekend; however, the sporadic rain and high temperatures in the county’s regional parks forced us to extend our ban this year.

"With the brush still being extremely dry, we will be keeping a close eye on the parks. If wind conditions or other factors become a problem, the park supervisors may issue a temporary fire ban to ensure park and visitor safety. Should this occur, information will be posted under the park’s alert system on the website, and guests in the parks will be notified,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director.

The system-wide fire ban was initiated on May 26 to limit the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause serious damage to the parks and neighboring property owners. Diminished fuel loads, higher humidity levels and Valley-wide showers have helped to alleviate some of that concern.

“The fall season is absolutely beautiful in the Sonoran desert, and I hope all residents will get out and reconnect with nature. We’re bulking up our interpretive programs, and have a couple of promotions planned to draw visitors back into the parks,” added Cardin.

Maricopa County Regional Park, sandwiched between Fountain Hills and Rio Verde, is part of the county parks system.