Fire safety in our parks

A warm, dry summer is what many Vancouverites dream of after our long months of cool, wet winter. But too much of a good thing increases the fire hazard in our beloved parks and green spaces. The millions of visitors to our parks play an important role in fire prevention and detection. Here are some tips for keeping our parks fire safe this season.

Fire hazard signs

• Signs are located in Stanley Park, Jericho Beach Park and Everett Crowley Park. Watch for increases in the fire hazard rating and obey any posted notices
• Hazard ratings are determined by Metro Vancouver and the British Columbia Forest Service

When the rating is Extreme

• No charcoal or wood burning barbecues
• Stay on trails

Smoking

A bylaw went into effect September 1, 2010 that prohibits smoking year-round in all of Vancouver's parks, beaches and golf courses.

Campfires

Campfires are not permitted anywhere within Vancouver's parks and beaches.

Barbecues

• Dispose of hot coals in designated coals pits (available at many popular picnicking sites)
• Never barbecue directly on wooden picnic tables, logs or dry grass
• Barbecues should be at least 30" off the ground. Many portable models are available with stands that elevate the barbecue off the ground.
• Coal or wood barbecues are not permitted when the fire hazard rating is at Extreme

Car exhaust

• Do not park on or right next to dry grass. Hot exhaust from your vehicle's tailpipe can ignite grass quickly.

What to do if you spot a fire

• Call 9-1-1 and report the location of the fire
• A fast response is important to keeping brush and forest fires from spreading
• Where there's smoke there's fire: call 9-1-1 even if you only smell or see smoke, but don't see flames

For more information view our Fire FAQ brochure