Small Fire in Stanley Park Extinguished by Staff

September 3, 2003 (No. 50) - A small fire in Stanley Park was extinguished by staff early this morning. Stanley Park forestry staff arrived at dawn today to a report by a jogger that he had spotted a small smouldering fire on a trail east of the Causeway, near the equestrian overpass and Beaver Lake. Staff used their mobile water tank to deep soak the approximately 2m2 area. As an extra precaution, the Fire Department was also called to the scene to assist. The cause of the fire is unknown.

The Vancouver Park Board would like to remind people to be particularly conscious about fire hazards within Vancouver parks during this long period without rain. Especially vulnerable are wooded areas in Stanley Park.

No open fires are allowed on Vancouver parks or beaches and people are asked to be vigilant in carefully butting out cigarettes and to take cigarette butts and extinguished matches with them when they leave a park.

A reminder too that, although barbequing is still permitted on parks, only portable, elevated (30" above the ground), self-contained units that are specifically designed for use with propane or camping fuel are permitted and only in designated picnic areas. Coals will not be allowed for barbequing until the end of the drought.

Contact: Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator phone: 604-257-8440 or cell: 604-861-4375

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 200 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.