Vancouver Parks Fire Hazard Rating Now "High"

July 11, 2008 (No. 42) - Vancouver Park Board staff have raised the fire hazard rating to High today following a week of warm, dry conditions.

Vancouver's heavily wooded parks - Stanley Park, Everett Crowley Park and Jericho and Locarno Beach Parks - are especially vulnerable to fires.

Park visitors should take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire or smoke:

• Campfires are not permitted at any time in any of Vancouver's parks or beaches.
• Make sure cigarettes are well extinguished and disposed of properly.
• Barbecuing is permitted in designated areas only. Barbecues must be self-contained, portable units and be at least 30" off the ground. Place used barbecue coals in provided pits.
• Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
• Watch for forest fire danger signs and information posted in parks and on the Park Board website.

The Park Board works together with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services and Metro Vancouver Regional District to provide a coordinated approach to fire prevention, suppression, preparation and protection for Vancouver's urban forests and parks. Maintenance staff and Rangers are vigilant to keeping our parks fire safe. Fire prevention, however, is everyone's responsibility.

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For more information contact: Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at 604-257-8438.
www.vancouverparks.ca

 

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 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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