Officials to ban open fires at Phoenix mountain parks this week
May 11, 2015, 9:31 AM | Updated: 9:32 am
PHOENIX — The Valley preserve areas are greener than usual right now but mountain parks officials will be putting fire bans in effect this week.
Starting Friday, wood and charcoal fires out in the open will be prohibited in any part of the Phoenix preserves. Smoking will not be allowed outside of vehicles.
The fire ban will be applied to Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, North and South Mountain, Sonoran Preserve and the Deem Hills area.
Phoenix Park Ranger Isaac Lewis said use of propane gas grills will be allowed in established picnic areas.
Despite an unusually wet May heat, low humidity and high winds will create extreme fire danger.
Lewis said anyone caught firing up the charcoal or smoking outside a will be cited.
“It’s normally a $100 fine and eight hours of community service at one of our parks.”
The ban does not apply to traditional city parks.