While many of us enjoy a warm, dry summer, this weather increases the fire hazard in parks.
Residents and visitors play an important role in fire prevention and detection. Here are some guidelines for keeping parks fire safe in any season:
- No smoking.
- Stay on designated trails at all times.
- Barbecues are permitted as long as they are 75 cm (29.5 in) off the ground. Any form of wood burning is prohibited.
- Use designated picnic sites when possible. Always have a source of water available to extinguish any flare ups.
- A full cleanup after you are finished is required. Barbecues must be doused with cold water until they are fully extinguished and disposed of properly.
- Barbecues are not permitted on or above sandy beach areas.
- Look for fire hazard signs at entrances to forested areas such as Stanley Park, Jericho Beach Park, and Everett Crowley Park; watch for increases in fire hazard ratings and obey any posted notices.
- If you spot a fire, smell or see smoke, immediately call 9-1-1 and report your location.
Prohibited activities
The following activities are prohibited in parks and beaches at all times:
- Smoking
- Campfires
Fire preparedness
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, Metro Vancouver, and the Vancouver Park Board work together in a coordinated approach to protect Vancouver's urban forest, especially heavily treed parks, through fire prevention, suppression, and preparation.
With special equipment and protocols, comprehensive staff training, inter-agency developed plans, improved communications, and a variety of public education tools, we hope to ensure that parks stay open and safe for the public.
