COQUITLAM, B.C., May 21, 2026 – Mark your calendars and join Coquitlam Fire/Rescue to learn practical ways to reduce wildfire risks around your property and help prevent human-caused fires.
- Date: Saturday, June 6
- Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: Hampton Park Elementary School, 1760 Paddock Drive
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue will display wildfire-related equipment and educate homeowners about the importance of removing dead trees, shrubs and other flammable vegetation. Emergency Management staff will cover how to prepare to evacuate in the event of a wildfire, and and how to be prepared for other emergency events. Event details are available at coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety.
Tips to Reduce Fire Risks
Many homes in Coquitlam are located where wilderness and development meet, which means that fires can easily spread between vegetation and structures. Coquitlam Fire/Rescue tips will help homeowners who live near these green spaces prevent a wildfire from starting on, or spreading to, their property. Tips include:
- Reduce the amount of fuel present around your homes; prune your shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation, as well as tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
- Keep your roof and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over the roof.
- Break up continuous vegetation, and space out plantings so there is no direct line of vegetation leading to your home, garage or any outbuilding or structure.
- Relocate wood debris to a location that is 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 blow onto a dry lawn.
For more information, visit coquitlam.ca/InterfaceFire. Residents should always 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.
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. Coquitlam Fire/Rescue’s structure protection equipment has been inspected by the province and is ready to deploy locally, or to help other communities if requested.
Media contact:
Scott Young
Fire Chief
Coquitlam Fire/Rescue
604-927-6400
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.