Residents are invited to come out and talk to firefighters to learn more about fire prevention, fire safety and get close to some of the apparatus and equipment and more.

The Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services Department will be at Evergreen Park Sat. June 18 from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. to engage the community and share the tactics that they use to help protect the community and help residents to better prepare in the event of a wildfire.

Activities include learning about wildfire risk, the wildland-urban interface, property protection and showcasing the fire department’s protective capabilities to wildfires.

“Our Fire services department is an important part of our community and creating this event to involve the community helps to increase the city’s overall wildfire resiliency,” said Mayor Brad West. “We know that communities are strongest when residents work together to help protect and support their neighbours and our natural resources.”

Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services has over the last few years, added to their wildland firefighting equipment and training which include a compressed air foam system on Medic 2 truck, a new forestry pump for drafting water when there isn’t access to a hydrant and several hand tools. Residents can learn how to prevent a wildfire and to prevent one from spreading in their home or to their neighbours’ homes. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

“Gather your neighbours, friends and family members to learn how to help reduce the wildfire risk to your homes and neighbourhoods.” said Cllr. Steve Darling, Council’s designate for community safety matters. “Learning about improvements that residents can do, will better prepare them and increase their property’s fire resiliency.”

Activities include:

• Learning about wildfire risk and the Wildland Urban Interface
• Learn how to become FireSmart and protect your property.
• Kids can look and sit in the fire truck and spray a hose.
• Book a free FireSmart Home Assessment.
• Demonstrations of fire fighters using the Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) on Medic 2 and the CAFS portable backpack system and much more.

Residents play an important role in reducing the risk to their homes and neighbourhoods by taking steps such as removing potential fuel sources and choosing fire-resistant building materials. The event is to help homeowners to adopt practices that reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their homes and property.
Lombardy Drive at Cedar Drive will be closed to traffic. Cornwall Street and Lombardy Drive will be open to local traffic only.

For more information on fire safety and tips visit portcoquitlam.ca/firesafety.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email ibacachex@portcoquitlam.ca