COQUITLAM, B.C., July 20, 2023 – Coquitlam is facing an extreme fire safety risk following the recent stretch of hot, dry weather.
Residents are urged to take caution and abide by City bylaws that ban outdoor burning, smoking in parks and littering cigarette butts. Anyone caught smoking in a City park may face a $500 fine. Littering of cigarette butts can also result in a fine of $150.
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue and Bylaw Enforcement stepped up their patrols of City parks and forested areas earlier this season as temperatures climbed and they continue to regularly monitor these areas.
Barbeque Permit Now Required for Use in Some City Parks
As the Fire Danger Rating has continued at the ‘extreme’ level for three or more consecutive days, Coquitlam has implemented further restrictions on outdoor barbeque use in public parks.
Effective Friday, July 21, a permit is required for the use of a barbeque in any Coquitlam park other than those listed below. Permits will only be approved for community events registered with Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities and may be obtained at no charge through the Fire Prevention Division by calling 604-927-6433 or emailing firerescue@coquitlam.ca.
The permit application can also be completed online at coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety under the tab titled “Outdoor Burning, Park Events and Barbeques.”
Parks Exempt from Barbeque Ban
The following park locations are exempt from the barbeque ban and do not require an exemption permit:
- Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave.)
- Under covered picnic area on the southeast corner and north end of the park.
- On asphalted area on the east side of the Scout Hall just outside the covered walkway.
- Mackin Park (1046 Brunette Avenue)
- On the asphalted area in front of the concession building in the southwest corner of the park.
- Mundy Park (641 Hillcrest Street)
- Under the covered picnic shelters with concrete pad near the playground.
- Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way)
- On the asphalted area by the stadium main gate, north of the change rooms.
- Please note, this location is suitable for larger group events - no picnic tables available.
Water Restriction Relaxation
In order to help reduce wildfire risk, during continued extreme fire danger periods, the City allows relaxation of its summertime watering restrictions for specific residential and business properties located at an urban/wildlife interface – the two areas are immediately adjacent to Mundy Park and along Coquitlam’s northern forested boundary.
The specific addresses of the exempted properties can be found at coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety. These occupants are encouraged to ensure grass, trees and other vegetation are sufficiently hydrated during the days and times listed on the website.
Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
Summer fire safety tips and more information can be found at coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety.
For more information about Coquitlam’s wildland/urban interface areas visit coquitlam.ca/InterfaceFire.
Media contact:
Jim Ogloff
Fire Chief
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
604-927-6400
firerescue@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.