COQUITLAM, B.C., June 2, 2021 – Coquitlam Fire/Rescue (CFR) invites Coquitlam residents to pop by their information table at the Poirier Street Farmers Market (575 Poirier Street, behind the Poirier Public Library) on Sunday, June 6, 13, or 20.
CFR personnel will be on-site 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to share information with residents about what they can do to reduce the risk of a wildland-urban interface fire damaging their property or home.
Topics include:
- How to FireSmart your home and property
- FireSmart landscaping
- Coquitlam Fire/Rescue response capabilities
- Coquitlam’s summer watering restriction relaxation program
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.
Interface Fire Prevention
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, such as trees and shrubs, to structures, such as houses and sheds, and vice versa.
Homeowners who live near green spaces can help prevent wildfires by taking the following steps:
- Reduce flammable materials around your home: prune shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation, and tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
- Check your roof and gutters to ensure they are clear of dead needles and overhanging branches.
- Break up and space the plantings in your yard 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.
- 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.
- Do not litter cigarette butts or do any outdoor burning.
- Ensure your vehicle's exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn.
For more fire safety information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/interfacefire.
Media contact:
Denise Ziebart
Fire Inspector, Fire Prevention
604-927-6432
dziebart@coquitlam.ca