The city of Phoenix and Maricopa County will initiate an annual fire ban for parks and mountain preserves beginning next month.
The dual bans on open fires will go into effect on May 1.
“While this year’s wildflower season was rather low-key, our team has noticed a significant amount of new vegetation growth within the parks from the spring showers. As the temperatures rise, this vegetation will dry out and quickly become an ideal source for wildfire ignition,” R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director, said in a press release. “Implementing a fire ban limits the possibility of starting a brush fire, which could cause severe damage to park resources, threaten park visitor safety and pose a danger to nearby homes.”