Phoenix and Maricopa County Implement Annual Fire Ban Amid Drought Conditions
Beginning May 1, 2026, the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation will enact an annual fire ban due to ongoing drought conditions and increased wildfire risk. The restrictions, which follow Maricopa County Air Quality Department regulations, will remain in effect through September 30, though they may be extended depending on weather conditions.
What the Fire Ban Prohibits
During the fire ban, the following activities are prohibited in Phoenix and Maricopa County regional parks:
- Campfires
- Fire pits
- Charcoal grills
Permitted Activities
Despite the ban, certain activities remain permitted:
- Gas or propane grills are allowed in ramadas and designated picnic areas.
Additional Safety Measures
Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department staff may implement temporary, additional fire restrictions before May 1 if conditions such as high winds or poor air quality warrant. Updates regarding these restrictions will be posted on the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department website.
Smoking Restrictions
Smoking is prohibited year-round in all Phoenix parks and preserves. Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish and properly dispose of all smoking materials before entering these areas.
Maricopa County Air Quality Regulations
The fire ban aligns with Maricopa County Air Quality Department burn activity regulations, which prohibit outdoor fires from May 1 through September 30 throughout the county. Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Waller emphasized the critical role of these restrictions in protecting parks, visitors and natural resources, given the below-average rainfall and extremely dry vegetation.
Contact Information
For more information about the fire ban, contact the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Resources Division at Natural.Resources.Pks@phoenix.gov or 602-495-5458.
Drought Conditions in Phoenix
Current drought conditions in Phoenix, Arizona, and Maricopa County can be viewed on Drought.gov, providing up-to-date information on precipitation, temperature, and streamflow data.