With the dry summer season starting to heat up, Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents of the fire risks associated with summer weather to help keep Port Coquitlam parks and trails safe.
A wildfire can spread quickly due to dry conditions and high winds, causing severe environmental and economic impacts. Wildfires can become devastating when they encroach upon homes and critical infrastructure.
To help prevent them, Fire and Emergency Services staff and Bylaw staff have stepped up patrols at parks and trails at risk of wildfire and will continue throughout the season. Staff are watching for fires, burning and smoking bylaw infractions, and educating park and trail users about fire prevention. Anyone found not following City bylaws will be given a warning or face fines.
Under Port Coquitlam's Smoking Control Bylaw No. 4037, smoking is prohibited in City parks year-round. To address heightened wildfire risk, fines of $500 apply from June 1 to September 30 for open-air burning, littering cigarette butts or smoking in parks.
The bylaw defines "smoking" to include all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and other equipment used to smoke or burn tobacco, cannabis and other plant materials. To reduce the risk of fire, the bylaw requires smokers to safely extinguish and dispose of their cigarettes, or stop vaping, when entering a park or other area of the City where smoking is prohibited.
Residents and visitors are reminded of the following:
Outdoor burning
There is NO open-air burning allowed in Port Coquitlam parks, natural areas and backyards, including campfires, open fires, wood-burning barbecues, fire pits, and appliances.
Propane barbecues are permitted in most City parks, except at all-weather turf fields such as Gates Park. When the Fire Danger Rating reaches Extreme, a permit may be required and will be able to be submitted at portcoquitlam.ca/bbqpermit. Temporary bans may be in place during dry periods. Park visitors are advised to look for signs and never leave their barbecue unattended while it is on or hot.
Propane or natural gas heaters, firepits and decorative fire tables are permitted outdoors on private property when used per Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw No. 4395. They are not allowed in Port Coquitlam parks and natural areas.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited year-round in all parks, trails, streets and public outdoor spaces. A cigarette butt thrown out a car window or onto the trail or grass can smolder for hours and start a fire that may not be seen right away.
Do not park your vehicle, motorbike or gas-powered bicycle on or next to dry grass. Hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation within minutes.
Burning on agricultural properties is only allowed with a permit and at specific times during the spring and fall.
If you spot a fire, smell or see smoke, immediately call 9-1-1 and report your location.
Safety at the grill
Set up barbecues in an open area at least 3 metres (10 feet) from any house, shed, fence, tree or other combustible material such as leaves or brush, and be aware of wind blowing sparks. Never operate a barbecue near wooden fences or walls, beneath a combustible roof, under a tree, near vinyl siding or in an enclosed space such as a garage.
Never leave the barbecue unattended when in use and keep an approved fire extinguisher within handy reach.
Never store combustible materials next to the barbecue.
Keep gas hoses away from hot surfaces and hot grease.
Keep children and pets away from the gas valve and the grill.
Keep loose clothing away from the hot barbecue.
Don't put water on a grease fire. It will only cause flames to flare. Use an approved fire extinguisher.
When finished, first turn off the gas valve to allow gas in the hoses to burn off before turning off the burner controls.
Clean the burners and grill regularly to minimize the risk of grease fires.
Before covering or storing your barbecue, make sure it has been shut off, is completely cool and has no hot coals.
Reducing the Risk of Fire Damage to Your Property
Prune shrubs and trees, and remove deadfall or woodpiles near your home.
Keep your grass mowed.
Ensure your roof, gutters and eaves are free of combustible debris and prune overhanging branches.
Make sure chimneys meet current building codes and have spark arrestors.
Contact BC Hydro if vegetation is near or touching power lines.
Plan to Be Prepared for An Emergency
Ensure your address is clearly visible for quick identification by emergency responders.
- Practice your family escape plan with every member in your household, and your out-of-area contact. Make sure children know how and when to dial 9-1-1.
- Avoid heat-related illnesses by being prepared for extreme weather events (info portcoquitlam.ca/heat).
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. Fire danger ratings and current restrictions can change quickly, so check portcoquitlam.ca/fire before heading out. More information about wildfires is available at bcwildfire.ca/prevention.
Problems can be reported 24/7 through portcoquitlam.ca/report, the free PoCo Sort & Report app (available at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport) or by phone at 604.927.3111.
For more fire safety and prevention measures visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire.
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