Series of fires stamped out by firefighters

Firefighters in New Westminster were up early extinguishing a spate of fires along McBride Boulevard.

Four blazes were reported between 4:30 and 5 a.m., according to New Westminster deputy fire Chief John Hatch.

The first “wild land” fire was located in Queen’s Park, the second at Eighth Avenue and McBride Boulevard, and the final two fires were reported at Sixth Avenue and McBride and 10th Avenue and McBride, on the Burnaby border.

The fires affected only grass and shrubs, and there was no damage to any buildings, Hatch said.

“It can be (dangerous) if it’s close by a building or if there’s a wind, and with the dry conditions and Queen’s Park the way it is, it wouldn’t take long with the longer, dry grass to extend into the high trees,” he said.

But in this case, firefighters were able to knock down the fires before they grew or spread.

Because of the suspicious nature of the fires, New Westminster police were called to the scene, too, to try and track down the fire starter. At this time, however, no one has been arrested.

“I haven’t heard any word on whether anybody was apprehended, but police were notified and they were on scene with us at the different calls,” Hatch said.

Calls to the New Westminster Police Department have not been returned.

With the recent dry weather, Hatch said the fire department has been busy responding to wild fire calls throughout the city, especially in parks, brush or grassy areas and areas along the rail lines.

“It’s that time of season. People discard cigarettes carelessly,” he said. “Mostly, it’s cigarettes in bark mulch and dry grass and shrubs.”

The most important thing to do during the dry season is to be extra careful with any flames, be it cigarettes or barbecues. Avoid using charcoal and make sure cigarettes are disposed of carefully, Hatch said.

For more information about the city’s fire protection bylaw, go to tinyurl.com/outdoorburning.