Annual Fire Ban for Desert and Mountain Preserves Starts May 15

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May 11, 2017 The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department will ban open fires in the city’s desert and mountain preserves starting Monday, May 15, 2017. This annual ban is expected to run through mid-October and applies to Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, all areas of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, South Mountain Park/Preserve, North Mountain and surrounding areas, the Sonoran Preserve, and the Deem Hills area. The ban is being put into effect due to the extreme fire danger that the combination of low humidity, increasing temperatures and frequent high winds create each spring. For those using the preserves, the fire ban stipulates the following: Open, wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in any part of Phoenix’s preserves Smoking outside of enclosed vehicles will continue to be prohibited Propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas The ban does not apply to traditional city parks. To protect their homes, residents whose property borders the preserves may remove dry shrubs, brush and grasses, and trim dead branches from trees within the 10-foot strip of preserve bordering their property. By creating this 10-foot “buffer zone,” residents can help to protect their homes from brush fires in the adjacent preserve. Preserve neighbors also should check irrigation lines and pool back-flush hoses to ensure that water is not seeping into the preserve. Outside water sources encourage unnaturally dense vegetation growth, which increases fire risk. For general information regarding removing vegetation, residents can contact a park ranger by calling 602-495-5458 or through e-mail. As the weather changes in the Valley this time of year, those recreating in the city’s desert and mountain preserves should use extra caution. Heat-related illnesses are common from May to October, and generally occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or overexerted their body based on physical condition or age. The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and Fire Department remind trail users to follow important life-saving “Take a Hike. Do it Right.” safety guidelines. Additionally, city of Phoenix park rangers advise against hiking during triple-digit heat. Park rangers also remind trail users that a new rule was approved by the Parks and Recreation Board in fall 2016 that prohibits dogs on all city trails when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. Violators can be cited with a Class One Misdemeanor, which could carry with it a fine of up to $2,500 and up to six months jail time, based on a judge’s decision. The Humane Society provides additional information about how to keep pets safe during warm weather months. Media Contact: Gregg Bach, 602-262-4994 General Contact: Parks and Recreation Department Phone Number: 602-262-6862 Return to News

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