Vancouver Park Users Cautioned About Fire Hazards

July 28, 2006 (No. 55) - With the hot, dry summer weather upon us, the Vancouver Park Board is asking that people be particularly cautious about fire hazards within all Vancouver parks. Especially vulnerable are heavily wooded areas in Stanley Park, Everett Crowley Park and Jericho Beach Park. Park maintenance staff and park rangers will be extra vigilant during this dry period.

Residents and visitors are asked to note fire rating signs that have been erected at strategic points in these three parks. The current fire rating is "High." Barbequing is allowed in parks, but no open fires are permitted on parks or beaches. Cigarettes should be extinguished and disposed of only in proper receptacles.

The Park Board, Vancouver Fire and Rescue and GVRD together have developed an inter-agency coordinated approach to fire prevention and suppression for Vancouver's urban forests that includes research, training, monitoring and public education. More information on fire prevention in our parks can be found in the Wildland Fire Fact Sheet  on the Park Board web site.

Fire prevention and safety is everyone's responsibility. Park visitors are asked to direct any fire concerns or questions to park staff and to report all fires to 911.

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For more information contact Carol DeFina, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8440.
www.vancouverparks.ca

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.

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