May in Maricopa County ushers in West Valley heat relief, fire bans, water safety campaigns

Heat relief sites throughout Maricopa County open Friday, May 1, and cities across the Valley are announcing programs and restrictions that will be in place through the summer.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Maricopa Association of Governments officially launch the 2026 Heat Relief Network on Friday.

The HRN will provide free, cooled spaces and other resources to the public through Sept. 30, county officials stated in a release. Established in 2005, the regional effort brings together government, nonprofit, faith-based organizations and businesses to protect people most at risk from extreme heat and reduce heat-related deaths.

“Heat affects every corner of our community, and preventing heat-related deaths takes effort from all of us,” Kelli Donley Williams, MCDPH deputy director, said.

“When people know where to find help and feel supported, it makes a real difference. That’s why it’s so important that residents know their risk, know where to go for relief and look out for one another.”

 The interactive heat relief man can be viewed at hrn.azmag.gov. It includes more than 200 locations, including indoor cooling centers, respite sites where people can rest for extended periods, hydration stations and donation drop-off locations.

Users can search based on their needs and view details such as hours of operation, services offered and key site features, including pet-friendly locations.

“Extreme heat is one of the most serious, predictable challenges our region faces each year and providing relief requires a strong collaborative response,” MAG Executive Director Audra Koester Thomas said.

“The Heat Relief Network exemplifies the power of regionalism by bringing together partners across Maricopa County to ensure residents know where to go, how to stay safe and that help is within reach during hot summer days.”

For those needing assistance by phone, 211 Arizona operators will take calls, in English and Spanish, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to help find nearby cooling centers, utility assistance programs or other resources, according to the county.

Valley cities also offer services to help people stay cool, safe and hydrated.

In Goodyear, for example, resources also will be available May 1-Sept. 30.

Goodyear has partnered with All Faith Community Services to offer a Cooling Center where residents can get water and snacks, rest throughout the day and connect with specialists about resources such as shelter.

The Goodyear's Georgia T Lord Library and Litchfield Park's Branch Library will also will serve as a cooling center, and other facilities across the city are serving as Hydration Stations, offering a temporary place to cool off and get water. 

An annual fire ban will be in place from May 1 until Sept. 30 in Phoenix, according to the city’s parks and recreation department.

The fire ban follows Maricopa County Air Quality Department burn activity regulations, which prohibit outdoor fires from May 1 through Sept. 30 throughout the county, including all regional parks. 

During the fire ban, the following are prohibited in Phoenix preserves: 

• Campfires
• Fire pits
• Charcoal grills

The following activity is permitted: 

• Gas or propane grills in ramadas and designated picnic areas.

For more: phoenix.gov/parks/trails.

Water safety is a theme across the Valley during summer months.

The city of Goodyear sent out safety tips  encouraging resedents to:

• Have strong adult supervision around water. Always designate at least one adult to watch kids in an around the pool.
• Use barriers at home pools. Install a gate around the pool and child-proof safety locks on doors.
• Register for swim lessons and CPR training.
• Have adults model safe behavior by wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol when swimming or supervising children, and always using the buddy system.

 “Drowning is preventable and especially in Arizona, where backyard pools are common, it is critical to take the pool safety serious,” said Goodyear Fire Chief Tim Wayne. “Drownings can happen quick and are often silent, so turning your back from the pool, even for a second, can be deadly.”  

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