Coquitlam Fire /Rescue would like to remind homeowners who live near green spaces to take steps that may prevent the cause of a wildfire as a result of a fire on their property as well as take steps to prevent a wildfire from spreading to their property.
COQUITLAM, BC, July 23, 2020 – Coquitlam Fire /Rescue would like to remind homeowners who live near green spaces to take steps that may prevent the cause of a wildfire as a result of a fire on their property as well as take steps to prevent a wildfire from spreading to their property.
While one of the great things about living in this city is our access to nature, many homes are located in areas where wilderness and urban development meet. This means that fire may easily spread from vegetation to structures or from structures to vegetation.
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue is calling for cooperation from homeowners in the Wildland/Urban Interface areas to reduce fuel and exposure to fires. This includes:
- 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
- Keep the roof and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over the roof
- Break up continuous vegetation and space so there is no continuous canopy or line of vegetation leading to your home
- Relocate 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
- Do not litter cigarette butts or do any outdoor burning
- Ensure your vehicle’s exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn
For more safety information including how to grill safely, visit www.coquitlam.ca/firesafety.
Residents should 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.