With our community experiencing increased temperatures throughout the summer seasons which are contributing to drier conditions, the City of Port Coquitlam has taken the steps to help reduce and limit the risk of fires in the community to help keep Port Coquitlam parks and trails safe during the summer season.
Yesterday at Committee of Council, amendments were proposed to the Smoking Control Bylaws No.4037 to increase fines for anyone with open air burning, littering cigarette butts and smoking in parks from $250 to $500 from June 1 to September 30. An increase in fines provides an additional incentive for people to comply with the bylaw and penalizes those that show a disregard for the rules.
Under the bylaw, "smoking" covers all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and other equipment used to smoke or burn tobacco, cannabis and other plant material.
To reduce the fire hazard associated with open air burning, littering of cigarette butts and smoking in parks, the bylaw requires smokers to safely put out and dispose of their cigarette (or stop vaping) when entering a park or area of the City where smoking is prohibited.
A wildfire can spread quickly due to dry conditions and high winds and can cause severe environmental and economic impact. Wildfires can become devastating when they encroach upon homes and critical infrastructure.
Watch for Port Coquitlam Fire & Emergency Services staff and Bylaw Enforcement personnel who will be stepping up patrols at various parks and trails that are at risk of a wildfire throughout the summer months.
Staff will be looking out for any fires, burning and smoking bylaw infractions as well educating park and trail users about fire prevention. Anyone found to be not following City bylaws will be given a warning or face fines.
Smoking is a leading cause of wildfires in B.C. The City's smoking bylaw, adopted in 2018, prohibits smoking and vaping of any substance at parks, along trails and in public spaces.
The public is advised to be extra cautious when visiting any forested or park areas this summer and immediately report any issues by calling 9-1-1. More information about wildfires is available at bcwildfire.ca/prevention.
The current Smoking Control Bylaw 4037 is posted at portcoquitlam.ca/bylaws and will be updated after adoption.
###
Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]