The New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services is concerned the hot and dry weather could spark fires if people aren’t careful.
The fire department has announced a fire safety advisory as a way of reminding citizens to be cautious when using outdoor open flames and disposing of smoking materials.
“The weather forecast is showing to be continued dry and hot weather with little precipitation predicted for the region, so there is a higher risk of fire,” Fire Chief Tim Armstrong said in a press release. “Extremely dry conditions increase the risk for fires to ignite, while windy weather increases the chance and speed for any fire to spread. With no precipitation in the forecast, we ask that everyone be vigilant when disposing of smoking materials and when using outdoor flames.”
Local firefighters have extinguished a number of recent rubbish and bark mulch fires, and have inspected the conditions in all city parks and interface areas.
“Currently we have had about seven or eight,” said Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Rob Dick. “Obviously, one is too many. For this early in the season, there is a trend in a short period of time. With the weather getting warm and dryer earlier, it’s important we get the message out to be aware.”
The fire department is asking New Westminster residents to be cautious in the city’s parks and green spaces, and to only dispose of smoking materials in proper receptacles. The use of charcoal briquettes is strictly prohibited in the city’s parks and picnic areas.
“It is starting to feel like summer and more people may consider barbecuing or using their fire pits; we ask everyone to be very careful and alert,” Armstrong said. “If anyone sees a fire or notices any smoke, please call 911.”
New Westminster fire crews are going to be visiting about 150 homes to provide them with information about the risks associated with the dry weather. Along with delivering brochures to homes near Glenbrook Ravine, Queen’s Park and Hume Park, firefighters will also provide information at upcoming community events.
“We are explaining preventative actions that we recommend – maintain a 15-foot zone around your home, removing grasses, overgrown bushes, dead branches and that kind of thing,” Dick told the Record. “The dead vegetation down on the ground, we recommend moving that.”
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services continues to watch weather forecasts and prepare for any changes to the fire risk. As weather conditions and the fire risk changes, the fire department will continue to update the status of the fire safety advisory.
“Open burning is prohibited in the City of New Westminster under our bylaw,” Dicks added. “That doesn’t mean people still don’t have backyard fire pits. It’s important to acknowledge that those individuals who do use them, even though it is contravening our bylaw, they need to take the proper precautions.”
Residents wanting more information can visit the city’s website at www.newwestcity.ca, watch for information on the electronic sign boards in the city or call New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services at 604-519-1000.
