COQUITLAM, B.C., May 26, 2026 – As warmer, drier weather increases the risk of fire in parks and forested areas, Coquitlam is reminding residents and visitors that fire prevention is a shared responsibility. 

To help reduce preventable fire risks, the fine for smoking in City parks increases to $500 each summer from June 1 to September 30.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes and cannabis, is banned year-round in any City park. Littering cigarette butts on the ground or throwing them from a vehicle can also result in a fine. 

City Increasing Patrols to Support Fire Prevention

During the summer months, patrols from Coquitlam Bylaw Enforcement Officers, Coquitlam Fire/Rescue and RCMP members increase to protect Coquitlam parks and forested areas from the threat of fire during warm, dry weather.

Outdoor burning and campfires are also not allowed in City parks. Barbeques are permitted unless Coquitlam’s Fire Chief has implemented a barbeque ban during periods of extreme fire risk. Anyone who sees smoke or fire should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Reduce the Risk of Fire

With water restrictions already in effect, and dry conditions increasing seasonal fire risk, residents are encouraged to take extra care to reduce preventable fire hazards. 

Protect yourself, your family and our community by following these fire prevention tips:

• Do not litter cigarette butts or throw them from vehicles.
• Do not have open fires or conduct outdoor burning.
• Keep combustible debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from your home.
• Keep roofs and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over any roof.
• Reduce the amount of debris around your home; prune shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
• Break up vegetation and tree canopies so fire does not have a direct path to your home.
• Use caution when mowing dry grass, as mower blades can create sparks if they strike rocks.
• Do not park or idle vehicles over dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite fires.
• Watch for bans on using barbeques.

To learn about the City’s current fire-risk rating, visit coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety.

To report a bylaw complaint, such as someone smoking in a park, call Bylaw Enforcement at 604-927-3580 or email BylawEnforcement@coquitlam.ca.

Media contact:
Aaron Hilgerdenaar
Senior Manager Bylaw Services
BylawEnforcement@coquitlam.ca 

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.