Open fires, smoking banned in South Mountain Preserve

If you’re planning to roast some marshmallows in South Mountain Park, thinking again.

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department has banned open fires in the South Mountain Preserve and all other desert and mountain preserves in the city.

Citing a consultation with the Phoenix Fire Department, parks officials said an extreme fire danger had been created by “the combination of low humidity, increasing temperatures and frequent high winds.”

The ban covers open, wood and charcoal fires as well as smoking outside motor vehicles, although propane and gas grills are allowed at designated picnic areas.

“Motorists traveling through or near Phoenix desert or mountain preserves should use extreme care with smoking materials and dispose of those only in their vehicle’s ashtray,” the city said.

Parks officials also urged residents whose homes border the preserve to remove dry shrubs, brush and grasses and trim dead branches from trees within the 10-foot strip of preserve bordering their property.