News Flash Home
The original item was published from 8/21/2020 3:18:55 PM to 6/15/2023 10:45:02 AM.

News Flash

City News

Posted on: July 28, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Be Mindful of Fire Safety While Doing Home Renovations

COQUITLAM, B.C., July 28, 2020 – Residents planning home renovations this summer can minimize their risk from fires by following some simple guidelines.

Homes that encroach on forests and wildlands are particularly at risk of wildfire spread between vegetation and structures. Coquitlam Fire/Rescue recommends using construction materials that can reduce a fire’s spread and extend the amount of time it takes for a home to ignite and burn. 

All homeowners should consult local bylaws and registered covenants on the use of materials and design approaches prior to building construction.

Construction Tips 

  • Ensure adequate fire protection is provided during construction. This includes hot-works safety practices during welding, roofing and plumbing installations. Construction fire safety plans are required.
  • Replacing your roof? Fire-resistant rated materials may provide additional protection. Options include concrete tile, slate, metal and terra-cotta.
  • Construct decks with non-combustible or fire-resistant materials. Cover with solid surfaces as opposed to slotted surfaces that allow needles and other flammable materials to accumulate below the deck.
  • Ensure that outdoor structures, such as gazebos, have at least nine metres separation from the house or other structures.
  • Relocate flammable debris at least 10 metres away from the home.
  • Do not litter cigarette butts or do any outdoor burning.

Landscaping Tips

  • Where possible, refrain from planting or landscaping with highly-flammable trees such as evergreens and bark-mulch, opting instead for Fire-Smart choices such as deciduous shrubs or trees, succulent plants, slow-growing plants that have thick, woody stems and are situated well away from the home. 
  • Use decorative rock mulch or lava stones around any shrubbery that is within two metres of your house.
  • Use gardens and flower beds as effective fire breaks.

Don’t Let Our Parks Go Up in Smoke
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is also asking residents to take steps that can both reduce and limit the risk of fire in our community by adhering to City bylaws that ban open air burning, littering cigarette butts and smoking in parks. 

The City’s bylaw officers are continuing their patrols of green spaces and parks and will be handing out $500 fines for smoking, including vaping and cannabis, in City parks. Littering of cigarette butts can also result in a fine of $150.

All residents and park users are asked to take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire. Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.

For more safety information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/firesafety.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in City News

"We're hiring!" sign at City of Coquitlam job fair

We’re Hiring: Join Us at Coquitlam’s Recreation Job Fair

Posted on: February 28, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Doggo posing for a picture whilst on leash.

Coquitlam Dogs: Train Your Human

Posted on: January 30, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
Two girls float in the pool on a noodle

Registration for Spring Recreation Programs starts January 30

Posted on: January 23, 2024 | Last Modified on: July 7, 2023
A yellow graphic that reads Public Service Advisory

Coquitlam Winter Weather Response

Posted on: January 17, 2024
2023_Snow_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Next Snow Event

Posted on: January 16, 2024
2023_Extreme Cold_News-Flash_519_x_390px

Coquitlam Prepares for Winter Event

Posted on: January 11, 2024
Teddy bear getting mended

Free Repair Café Event in Coquitlam

Posted on: January 8, 2024
Patrons strolling around Lights at Lafarge.

Celebrate the Season at Jingle Bells Night

Posted on: December 13, 2023
Coquitlam Dam being built

Find Coquitlam History in Other Archives

Posted on: December 11, 2023
Public works vehicle prepped for winter weather

City Crews Prepare for Snow

Posted on: December 8, 2023
High-flowing river

Be Prepared: Heavy Rain in the Forecast

Posted on: December 4, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Update on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: December 1, 2023
CFR Maltese and Christmas lights.

Have a Safe and Fun Winter Season

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Map of Foster Avenue between North Road and Whiting Way

Statement on Incident at 500 Foster Avenue

Posted on: November 30, 2023
Cyclists riding through City Centre Multi Modal Path and Intersection

Go by Bike this Fall in Coquitlam

Posted on: October 13, 2023
Child holding a blue shovel with snow

Volunteer as a Coquitlam Snow Angel

Posted on: October 10, 2023
Yellow background with exclamation mark and text that says PSA

Wind Warning in Effect

Posted on: September 25, 2023
Blue sign at park reading "Glen Park"

Help Shape the City’s Plans for Glen Park

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Three Indigenous people, two dressed in 'fancy' traditional costumes

Celebrate 2023 Culture Days in Coquitlam

Posted on: September 14, 2023
People standing in front of a sport organization's tent

Coquitlam Sports Fair Returns Aug. 19

Posted on: August 3, 2023
Canada Day -News Flash

Canada Day in Coquitlam

Posted on: June 7, 2023
City Hall Property Taxes

Coquitlam Announces New City Manager

Posted on: April 13, 2023
A woman and a man sit at a coffee table with a silver laptop, calculator and paperwork.

Avoid Late Fees on 2023 Utility Bills

Posted on: March 23, 2023