Don’t light a fire in parks and near forests.
That’s the message from the Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam Fire/Rescue today, May 1, after recently dousing several fire remnants at Eagle Mountain Park — located at the top of Westwood Plateau.
“Open-air fires are illegal and dangerous as it puts everyone at a greater risk of an interface fire,” said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a news release.
“We are urging the public to stop any open-air burning in any park as it increases the risk of forest fires within our communities.”
Under the City of Coquitlam’s Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw, fines can be issued to anyone found starting an open-air fire; this includes burning of grass clippings, branches and other waste, as well as the use of many outdoor appliances.
The alert comes as B.C. is expected to have a busy wildfire season again with drought conditions.
Last year’s wildfires forced thousands of B.C. residents from their homes and destroyed more than 2.84 million hectares of forest and land. Six firefighters battling the wildfires died.
In advance of this year’s wildfire season, police and fire crews are asking residents to follow these tips:
- be aware of fire danger ratings
- be FireSmart by preparing your home
- create an emergency evacuation plan
- have a go-kit ready
- keep updated on evacuation orders
- report a wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell
