Pima County has increased fire restrictions on county property, citing a “fire emergency” in the area.
This means wood or charcoal grills are out this Memorial Day weekend at county parks.
Gas will be the only way to cook as families gather over Memorial Day weekend at county parks, campgrounds or preserves.
Grilling with anything other than gas on county, state or federal land in prohibited the Memorial Day Weekend due to heightened wildfire concerns, officials say.
Pima County protects more than 250,000 acres and also has thousands of acres of urban parks to look after. A dry, windy summer could mean disaster in terms of fire danger.
“Protecting our communities and natural landscapes from the threat of wildfires is a top priority,” said Sandra Espinoza, the director of the county’s emergency management office.
“The danger that southeastern Arizona is currently facing, compounded by current and forecasted weather, have us primed for the potential of a wildfire that could affect people’s way of life and their health and safety,” she warned. “Any wildfire produces toxic smoke, can impact travel and vacation plans, and simply put, puts firefighters and public lives in danger.”
On Saturday, multiple brush fires erupted in the Santa Cruz River bed in Marana, officials said. The fires spread across an area of about 50 acres and sent smoke into the air that could be seen across Tucson’s west and northwest side. It also disrupted traffic near North Cortaro Road, state fire officials a Marana police said.
No injuries were reported Saturday afternoon. No cause had been determined.
Among activities prohibited on county land: No charcoal or wood grilling at rented ramadas – or along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop; No campfires/fire pits or activities that create sparks or flames;
Anyone who has reserved ramadas and intended to use the grill can call 520-724-5000 for a refund. Similarly, call 520-724-5159 or email gilbertraycampground@pima.gov to cancel a reservation at Gilbert Ray Campground.
Similar restrictions are already in place on land in the area controlled by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Parks Service.
Those restrictions include: No open flames, including campfires, wood/charcoal grills; No shooting outside a developed shooting range or while engaged in a lawful hunt; No fireworks; and no spark-generating activities such as welding. Gas grilling is allowed.
