Fire hazard rating in parks lowered to low

August 10, 2009 (No. 46) - Park Board staff have lowered the fire hazard rating to low today in Vancouver parks after significant amounts of rain fell in the region. The hazard was raised to extreme - the highest level - on July 22, during an unusual hot, dry spell.

As a result of the low rating, the smoking and charcoal barbecue bans are no longer in place in Vancouver's parks and beaches. As always, though, park visitors are strongly advised to be cautious with cigarette butts and barbecue coals and dispose of them responsibly.

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
• Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately
• Watch for forest fire hazard signs in some parks and additional fire safety information posted in parks and on the Park Board web site.

Fire hazard signage is in place in Vancouver's heavily wooded parks - Stanley Park, Everett Crowley Park and Jericho Beach Park - which are especially vulnerable to fires.

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 protections for Vancouver's urban forests and parks. Maintenance staff and Park 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.

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.