The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will initiate its annual fire ban on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's annual fire ban will go into effect the same day.
The annual fire ban dates align with the Air Quality Department's fire regulations. Under these regulations, outdoor fires are prohibited between May 1 and September 30 in an area that includes all of Maricopa County's regional parks.
"In 2024, Maricopa County received 4.54 inches of rain. That is well below our average annual rainfall of 7.36 inches,” said Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Waller. “With the summer heat quickly approaching and the vegetation as dry as it is, the parks are on high alert. Our team may implement temporary fire bans due to high winds or poor air quality before the annual fire ban goes into effect to ensure public safety and protect the park’s resources. When temporary fire bans are issued, we post the information on the website, and visitors are notified upon entry to the park. The parks also stop selling firewood during this time.”
The fire ban does not allow campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills; however, using gas/propane grills in designated areas such as semi-developed and developed camping sites is still acceptable. Campfires along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park are prohibited. Those who violate the fire ban may be cited against park rule R-113.
In addition, smoking in Maricopa County’s regional parks is also prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles and campers. Please be responsible and ensure that all cigarettes are properly extinguished and placed in trash receptacles.
While September 30 is the traditional fire ban lift date, an extension is possible. Park staff will monitor precipitation levels and vegetation conditions throughout the summer to determine if an extension is necessary for the safety of visitors and to protect the parks.