Don't Let Our Parks Go Up in Smoke
During the summer season's drier and warmer temperatures, residents need to take steps that can both reduce and limit the risk of fire. This includes adhering to City bylaws that ban open air burning, littering cigarette butts and smoking in parks. Protect yourself, your family and our community this summer by following these simple tips.
- Do not smoke in parks. Not only is smoking – including e-cigarettes – banned in City parks, but the fine – normally $150 – increases to $500 during summer due to heightened fire risk.
- Do not litter cigarette butts. Doing so can result in a $150 fine.
- Do not have any open fires or conduct outdoor burning.
- Watch for bans on using barbeques (see details below).
- Relocate combustible debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from your home.
- Be aware when mowing your lawn that if the blade comes into contact with a rock, it can cause a spark that may ignite a fire.
- Ensure your vehicle's exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn.
- Reduce the amount of fuel present around your homes; prune your shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
- Break up continuous vegetation and space so there is no continuous canopy or line of vegetation leading to your home.
- Keep the roof and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over the roof.
Residents should take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire. Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
Coquitlam's Air Quality Response Planning
Wildfires have become more frequent and severe and Coquitlam has a program to establish cleaner air spaces. During BC’s wildfire season, air quality conditions can change quickly and exposure to smoke may affect your health so please visit our Clean Air Spaces webpage for more information and resources on the activation of Clean Air Spaces in Coquitlam.
Wildland Urban Interface
Is your home safe from wildland fires?
A large portion of Coquitlam is considered wildland/urban interface land, meaning that the forest meets the community in some areas. As a result, it is important to establish and maintain fire-safe homes and practice fire-safe behaviours within our community.
Please read about the measures you can take to help prevent a wildland/urban interface fire.
It's always important to keep an eye on and be aware of the local fire-risk rating as there are a number of changes and impacts to residents when it increases such as barbeque bans in our parks or the relaxation of watering restrictions in areas adjacent to heavily wooded/forested areas such as Mundy Park the northern forested boundary of the city.