Warm weather over the past weekend is drying out forested areas in Burnaby, such as Burnaby Mountain and area parks, prompting cities to warn residents to take extra care to avoid a fire.
Much of the Lower Mainland is now rated as moderate for fire risk, according to the BC Wildfire Service, which updates its danger rating daily.
A moderate rating means forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting and fire wardens encourage residents to “carry out any forest activities with caution.”
And while this week’s heatwave has been declared over, another stretch of hot weather with temperatures up to 34 C is predicted for the upcoming weekend, Environment Canada says.
Meanwhile, fire and emergency services personnel are reminding residents of the fire risks associated with the summer weather. Staff will be looking out for any fires, burning and smoking bylaw infractions as well as educating park and trail users about fire prevention.
Anyone found to be not following city bylaws will be given a warning or face fines.
Smoking is a leading cause of wildfires in B.C.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING FOREST FIRES
What can you do to prevent fires?
- Do not have any open fires or conduct outdoor burning
- Relocate flammable debris or firewood at least 10 m away from your home
- Be aware when mowing your lawn that if the blade comes into contact with a rock, it can cause a spark and ignite a fire
- Ensure your vehicle’s exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn
- Reduce the amount of fuel present around your homes; prune shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs up to three metres from the ground
- Break up continuous vegetation and space so there is no continuous canopy or line of vegetation leading to your home
- Keep the roof and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over the roof
- Make sure chimneys meet current building codes and have spark arrestors
- Contact BC Hydro if vegetation is near or touching power lines
Plan to be prepared for an emergency:
- Ensure your address is clearly visible for quick identification by emergency responders
- Practice your family escape plan with every member in your household, and your out-of-area contact
- Make sure children know how and when to dial 9-1-1
