Extreme fire hazard rating in Vancouver parks

July 22, 2009 (No. 41) - Park Board staff raised the fire hazard rating to extreme today in Vancouver parks following several weeks of warm, dry conditions.

Effective today, the following precautions are now in place:

• No smoking in parks or on trails
• No charcoal or wood burning barbecues (propane/gas barbecues are permitted but must be elevated off the ground at least 75cm)
• Stay on trails

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.

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

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.