Starting Friday, the glow of campfires across Phoenix-area desert parks will go dark. Phoenix and Maricopa County are rolling out a seasonal ban on campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills in mountain preserves and regional parks as dry conditions and wildfire risk climb. The restrictions kick in May 1 and are scheduled to stay in place through at least Sept. 30, so hikers, campers and picnic-goers can expect fresh warning signs at trailheads and changes at ramadas and campsites.
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department announced the annual rules in a news release, noting that they line up with county air-quality burn regulations that prohibit outdoor fires in Area A from May 1 through Sept. 30. County officials say park staff can move faster if needed, putting temporary closures or earlier restrictions in place when wind or poor air quality sends fire danger higher.
The City of Phoenix is matching the seasonal ban for its desert parks and mountain preserves, while keeping flatland neighborhood parks out of the restrictions. AZFamily reported that propane and gas grills are still allowed, but only in designated picnic or campsite areas, and that existing fireworks and smoking rules will continue to be enforced.
Which parks are included
On the city side, the rules cover popular Phoenix spots such as Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, North Mountain and the South Mountain preserves. Maricopa County’s lineup includes Estrella Mountain, McDowell Mountain, Usery Mountain, San Tan Mountain and Lake Pleasant, along with other regional parks. For the full county roster, check the alerts page from Maricopa County Parks & Recreation, and for city preserve details see City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation.
“Maricopa County continues to experience below-average rainfall, and our desert vegetation is extremely dry,” parks director Jennifer Waller said in the county release. Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director Philip McNeely added that the seasonal restrictions also help cut down on smoke and protect public health. Maricopa County cautioned that violations can lead to citations under park rule R-113.
What visitors should know
During the ban, campfires, fire pits and charcoal grills are off the table. Gas or propane grills are the exception, but only in designated developed campsites and picnic ramadas. At Lake Pleasant, campfires along the shoreline are already banned year-round, and if conditions get worse, park staff can pause firewood sales or temporarily close areas to keep sparks in check. Visitors who ignore the rules can be cited under park regulations. For details on what is allowed and current park alerts, see the notices page from Maricopa County Parks & Recreation.
Why this matters
Large swaths of Arizona are entering spring in abnormally dry to moderately or severely drought-stricken shape, which means a single spark can turn into a fast-moving wildfire. The U.S. Drought Monitor and state climate briefings point to below-average precipitation and an early heat trend, making seasonal fire bans a routine but important preventive step. The U.S. Drought Monitor maintains county-level maps and weekly updates for anyone tracking conditions.
Where to check for updates
Park visitors are encouraged to check both the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County parks websites before heading out, in case of new alerts, trail closures or enforcement changes. For county park notices, call Maricopa County Parks at (602) 506-2930. For city preserve information, contact Phoenix Parks’ Natural Resources at 602-495-5458 or visit City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation.
