The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will ban open fires in city mountain and desert preserves starting Friday, May 15, 2015. In consultation with the Phoenix Fire Department, smoking and charcoal fires are included in the ban due to the extreme fire danger that the combination of low humidity, increasing temperatures and frequent high winds create each spring. Additional information about the ban is available at phoenix.gov/parks.
For those using the preserves, the fire ban stipulates the following:
•Open, wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in any part of the Phoenix mountain preserves*
•Smoking outside of enclosed vehicles will continue to be prohibited
•Propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas
Motorists traveling through or near Phoenix mountain and desert preserves should use extreme care with smoking materials and dispose of those only in their vehicle’s ash tray.
To protect their homes, residents whose property borders the preserves may remove dry shrubs, brush and grasses, and trim dead branches from trees within the 10-foot strip of preserve bordering their property. By creating this 10-foot “buffer zone,” residents can help to protect their homes from brush fires in the adjacent preserve. Preserve neighbors also should check irrigation lines and pool back-flush hoses to ensure that water is not seeping into the preserve. Outside water sources encourage unnaturally dense vegetation growth, which increases fire risk.
For general information regarding removing vegetation, residents can contact a park ranger by calling 602-495-5458 or e-mailing natural.resources.pks@phoenix.gov.
As temperature increases and humidity drops this time of year, those recreating in the city’s mountain and desert preserves should use extra caution. Heat-related illnesses are common from May to October, and generally occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or overexerted their body based on physical condition or age. Patrons are encouraged to hike during early morning hours or near dusk when there is more shade and less intense heat. During excessive heat warnings, hikers should consider whether it is safe to be exercising outside at all.
*The fire ban applies to Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, all areas of the Phoenix Mountains, South Mountain Park/Preserve, North Mountain and surrounding areas, the Sonoran Preserve, and the Deem Hills area. The ban does not apply to traditional city parks.