Summer weather has arrived, and the City is reminding residents to take extra care to reduce the risk of fire.
COQUITLAM, B.C., July 11, 2024 – Summer weather has arrived, and as Coquitlam increases daily patrols in parks and forested areas, the City is reminding residents to take extra care to reduce the risk of fire. This includes following City bylaws that ban open air burning, and not littering cigarette butts or smoking in parks.
With the fire risk currently rated as ‘high,’ the City is ramping up its prevention measures to keep our community safe. City parks and forested areas are patrolled to monitor conditions, identify problem areas and reinforce Coquitlam’s smoking and burning restrictions.
Community safety is everyone’s responsibility. Be alert to signs of fire, and report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately. Visit coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety for more information.
Fines for Smoking Increase to $500 in Summer Months
One of the leading causes of fires in parks, forests and dry grass is the incorrect disposal of cigarette butts. Parks staff, RCMP and Bylaw Enforcement Officers have increased their presence in City parks with the primary focus on education. Those found violating Coquitlam’s smoking ban in parks could face a $500 fine. Littering of cigarette butts can also result in a fine of $150.
Don’t Let Our Parks Go Up in Smoke – What You Can Do to Help Prevent Fires
- Do not smoke in parks. Not only is smoking – including cannabis and the use of e-cigarettes – banned in City parks, the fine (normally $150) increases to $500 during summer due to heightened fire risk.
- Do not litter cigarette butts – doing so can result in a $150 fine.
- Do not have any open fires or outdoor burning.
- Relocate flammable debris or firewood at least 10 metres (30 feet) away from your home.
- When mowing your lawn, be aware that if the blade comes into contact with a rock, it can cause a spark that may ignite a fire.
- Ensure your vehicle's exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn.
- Reduce fire risk by pruning your shrubs, removing dead and dry vegetation and ensuring tree limbs are at least 2-3 metres from the ground.
- Reduce the chance of fire spreading to your home by breaking up vegetation and tree canopies so they do not create a line leading to your home.
- Keep your roof and gutters clear of dead needles and prune branches that hang over the roof.
Wildfire Preparedness
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s 2024 pre-season wildfire training included adding personnel to Structure Protection Units and participating in a multi-jurisdictional wildfire exercise similar to the one we hosted in 2021. Our structure protection equipment has been inspected by the province and is ready to deploy locally, or to help other communities if requested.
In March and April of 2024, free wood chipping was offered to Coquitlam property owners in the wildland-urban interface areas to encourage the removal of hazardous fuel loads in these higher risk areas.
About Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s mission is to provide a range of emergency responses, fire protection and educational programs designed to protect lives and property from the adverse effects of fire, sudden medical emergencies or exposure to dangerous conditions created by people or nature. Adopted in late 2021, the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan outlines actions aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving the City’s response and recovery if fires do occur.
Media contact:
Scott Young
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 (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.