Vancouver Park Users Cautioned About Fire Hazards

August 21, 2006 (No. 58) - Vancouver Park Board officials raised the fire rating hazard to Extreme today following the outbreak of three small fires in as many weeks in Stanley Park. One fire was due to a lightning strike and the other two were illegal camping fires. The Park Board are asking that people be extremely cautious about fire hazards, that they refrain from smoking and continue their vigilance in reporting smoke or other signs of fire immediately to 911. Especially vulnerable are heavily wooded areas in Stanley Park, Everett Crowley Park and Jericho and Locarno Beach Parks.

Fire signs are located at strategic points which state:
Caution: High Forest Fire Risk
No charcoal or wood burning BBQs
No smoking please
Stay on trails

No open fires are allowed on Vancouver parks or beaches. Barbequing is still permitted, in open lawn areas, but only in portable, elevated (30" above the ground), self-contained units that are specifically designed for use with propane or camping fuel.

Park maintenance staff and park rangers will be extra vigilant during the prolonged drought. 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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Contact: Terri Clark, Communication Coordinator, 604-257-8438.
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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