Maricopa County regional parks are starting their seasonal fire ban a little bit earlier this year as a result of increased rainfall.

Fire bans are usually implemented in the latter part of May, but for the 2019 season, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation is starting the fire ban on May 1.

Department Director R.J. Cardin said an abundance of rainfall generated an outstanding wildflower season.

“But now it’s created a lot of grasses and drying up bushes in the parks that are, quite frankly, creating a heavy fire load and we’re just concerned about potential damage to the parks,” Cardin said.

The ban includes the use of campfires and fire pits in all county parks. Cardin said the ban will likely stay in place until around Labor Day.