As flames lick the edges of civilization in Maricopa County Arizona, officials have reacted by escalating fire restrictions across regional parks. The parched landscape left in the wake of the Arizona heat has morphed into kindling, igniting multiple brush fires and threatening the tranquil preserves that dot the valley. On one hand, the Hassayampa River Preserve had a close encounter with destruction on June 12, narrowly avoiding the devastation of the Rose Fire which demolished 15 structures and scorched 166 acres, according to Maricopa County.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation director, R.J. Cardin, conveyed the gravity of this recurrent threat. "This is not the first fire to come dangerously close to one of Maricopa County's regional parks," Cardin said, referencing previous incidents at Cave Creek Regional Park and McDowell Mountain Regional Park, "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."
Starting July 1, the simple act of smoking in Maricopa County's regional parks will be permitted only within the confines of enclosed vehicles and campers. Smokers must make certain materials are completely extinguished and disposed of in the correct manner. The announcement serves as a harbinger of a strict adherence to fire safety as the region grapples with a combustible reality. A standing ban on all campfires, fire pits, and charcoal use in grills remains steadfast, though gas/propane grills in designated areas will stand as the sole exception. Those who sidestep Park Rule R-113, may find themselves facing a citation, as informed by Maricopa County.
Eleven regional parks buckle under the weight of this ban, from Lake Pleasant Regional Park to the expanse of White Tank Mountain, Adobe Dam, Buckeye Hills, Estrella Mountain, the Hassayampa River Preserve, San Tan Mountain, Usery Mountain, McDowell Mountain, Cave Creek Regional Park, to the borders of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. For inquiries or details regarding this fire ban, Maricopa County invites individuals to contact the Parks and Recreation Department or to visit their website.
