Coquitlam residents are urged to take precautions as the city’s fire-risk rating reaches dangerously high levels during this extended stretch of hot weather.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Sept. 9, 2020 – Coquitlam residents are urged to take precautions as the city’s fire-risk rating reaches dangerously high levels during this extended stretch of hot weather.
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is asking for cooperation from residents to adhere to City bylaws that ban outdoor burning, smoking in parks and littering cigarette butts. Anyone caught smoking will face a $500 fine. Littering of cigarette butts can also result in a fine of $150.
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue have been called out to extinguish wildfires the last two evenings – one caused by an abandoned camp fire and the most recent a result of downed power lines due to high winds.
What else can you do to prevent a fire?
- Do not have any open fires or conduct outdoor burning.
- Relocate flammable debris or firewood at least 10 metres 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 that may 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 your shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs 2-3 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.
- For grilling safety tips and more details on all seasonal fire safety, visit www.coquitlam.ca/firesafety.
- Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.