Public encouraged to act responsibly with campfires
(Phoenix) – Effective Friday, November 16, 2007, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department may begin imposing temporary park fire bans. “Due to extremely dry conditions within the parks and the lack of moisture received during the monsoon season, park supervisors have been given permission to issue temporary fire bans in their respective parks,” stated Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock, Chairman.
“The fire ban restrictions will be customized from park to park. For example, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, which is experiencing extremely dry conditions, may implement a two day ban due to high winds while San Tan Mountain Regional Park may not require a ban,” added Brock.
The fire ban will include banning the use of all campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills. It will still be acceptable to use gas/propane grills in designated areas. On days that fires are permissible in the parks, visitors are being reminded to ensure that campfires are completely extinguished.
The temporary fire bans are being initiated to limit the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause serious damage to the parks. Violation of this park rule, Rule 113, may result in a citation. Smoking in the parks is still permissible but all park users are strongly encouraged to be responsible in their use.
There are ten Maricopa County parks that will be affected by the temporary fire bans: Lake Pleasant Regional Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Adobe Dam Regional Park, Buckeye Hills Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park (excludes turf area), San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Usery Mountain Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, Cave Creek Regional Park, and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area.
For additional information or to check on weather conditions at a park near you, visit www.maricopa.gov/parks.