Phoenix bans cooking fires in mountain preserve

The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has banned open fires in city mountain and desert preserves effective May 11.

The ban takes effect about this time every year, as the vegetation dries out and humidity levels drop. The ban includes the following conditions:

• Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in any part of the mountain preserve;

• Propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas;

• Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) is prohibited year-round outside of enclosed vehicles.

Fire chief Bob Khan says it takes only a small ember picked up by the wind to start a fire in dry brush. Then, the fire can grow quickly. Fires in the mountain preserve are extremely difficult to fight due to the steep terrain.

The ban applies to Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, all areas of the Phoenix mountains, South Mountain Park/Preserve, and North Mountain and its adjoining areas. The ban does NOT apply in regular city parks.