PHX Reporter

As the Arizona heat continues to dry out vegetation, numerous brush fires have emerged around the valley. On June 12, the Hassayampa River Preserve narrowly escaped the Rose Fire, which destroyed 15 structures and 166 acres.

"This is not the first fire to come dangerously close to one of Maricopa County's regional parks," said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation director. "We've also had fires around the park's perimeters at Cave Creek Regional Park and McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Our team has strategically cleared brush to create fire breaks and defensible spaces. But there's only so much our team can do. Given what we're seeing, we have decided to heighten our fire restrictions to include smoking. This move is not a knee-jerk reaction to the current situation but rather a preventative measure to keep park visitors, the natural resources, and the communities surrounding the park safe. Recently, Coconino and Kaibab National Forests also heightened their fire restrictions to Stage 2, which prohibits smoking."

Effective Monday, July 1, smoking in Maricopa County's regional parks will be prohibited except within enclosed vehicles and campers. Individuals who smoke are asked to ensure all materials are fully extinguished and disposed of properly. The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on May 1.

The usual restrictions, which include banning all campfires, fire pits, and charcoal in grills or any other manner, remain in effect; however, using gas/propane grills in designated areas is acceptable. Violation of Park Rule R-113 may result in a citation. A date to lift the fire ban has not been established.

Eleven Maricopa County regional parks have been affected by the fire ban: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Hassayampa River Preserve, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.

For questions regarding the fire ban contact the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department at (602) 506-2930 or visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.