Oct. 15, 2012

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has lifted the ban on charcoal and wood fires in the city’s mountain and desert preserves but is maintaining the ban on smoking outside of enclosed vehicles.

Visitors can now use charcoal in established grills and have open fires in fire rings in picnic areas and can continue to use propane and gas grills.

The Parks and Recreation Department lifted the ban because recent rains and cooler temperatures allow for safe use of charcoal and fires in established, developed areas. Because of normal desert conditions, the ban on smoking outside of enclosed vehicles will remain in effect to protect remote, undeveloped areas. 

The fire ban went into effect May 9 and applied to Camelback Mountain; Papago Park; all areas of the Phoenix Mountains; South Mountain Park/Preserve; and North Mountain and its adjoining areas. The fire ban did not apply to traditional city parks.

Cooler weather also means hiking season is here. Comprehensive information on the Phoenix preserve trails is available online at phoenix.gov/parks in the Trails and Preserves section.
 

Media Contact:

• E-mail
• Print