'Extreme' fire rating in effect for most Tri-City communities

Dry conditions bump fire rating to 'Extreme' across Tri-City communities

Fire safety crews are alerting residents to be extra vigilant when out in wooded areas, which means no smoking in public parks.

Port Moody Fire Rescue - fire danger rating extreme July 22, 2021

Port Moody Fire Rescue updates the city's fire danger rating to 'EXTREME' on July 22, 2021, due to drier conditions and an increased threat of wildfires.Port Moody Fire Rescue

Forest floors across the Tri-Cities have gone dry.

As summer weather and a lack of precipitation have caused drought-like conditions in the Lower Mainland, fire safety crews in Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam have all upgraded their fire danger ratings to 'Extreme.'

In each community, this means there's no smoking allowed in public parks and trails — if caught, a fine up to $500 could be issued.

In Port Moody, Fire Rescue (PMFR) Lieutenant Jeff Scallion took to social media to encourage do-diligence by local residents and visitors after officially pushing the arrow into the big red block indicating the 'Extreme' rating now in effect.

"We've seen what's going on in the Okanagan, Osoyoos and outside Kamloops. We don't need that here in Port Moody," he explained in referring to the wildfires raging through the interior.

There are nearly 300 wildfires are burning across B.C. The province officially issued a state of emergency on Tuesday (July 20) as hundreds of residents have been forced from their homes and thousands more remain on alert.

"We live in a beautiful community filled with lots and lots of forest; all of that forest up on Heritage Mountain and Eagle Mountain, that is all fuel," Scallion added.

"We need our residents to be extremely diligent and be vigilant when you're in the woods. Do not smoke in the woods, if you see a fire call it in immediately."

In Coquitlam, the rating went up to 'Extreme' after enduring a 'High' warning for 18 consecutive days.

According to Environment Canada, the Tri-Cities is in for a consistent sunny week in the low-to-mid 20s and will feel like 27 C by Sunday (July 25) with the dry humidity.

Environment Canada's seven-day forecast for Metro Vancouver — including for the Tri-Cities — as of July 22, 2021. By Environment Canada

Metro Vancouver has listed the following regional parks with an 'Extreme' fire danger rating:

Belcarra Regional Park
Colony Farm Regional Park
Minnekhada Regional Park

In all Tri-City communities, outdoor cooking appliances are also banned from parks, forested lands and public green spaces until further notice.

The city of Port Coquitlam bumped its fire danger rating on Wednesday (July 21), adding all camp fires and open burning are banned including along rivers and in backyards.

Residents are also encouraged not to park their vehicles, motorbikes or gas-powered bicycles on dry grass as to avoid potential sparks.

In any community, you're encouraged to call 911 if you spot a fire, see or smell smoke, burning of any kind or any kind of fire threatening situation.

WATER CONSERVATION

The B.C. government has offered tips on how to conserve water with the majority of the lower Fraser River basin currently experiencing a Level Three drought.

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