With the hot, dry weather expected to continue, the District of West Vancouver is urging the public to practice fire safety to reduce the risk of wildfires this season.
The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is where the forest meets the community. Fire can spread from the forest into the community, or from the community into the forest. Many homes in the District are located in the WUI, and, combined with southern exposure and steep terrain, the potential for a forest or brush fire is high.
In addition to forested areas, brush fires within residential neighbourhoods are a significant concern, where public safety, and many important facilities and structures could be severely impacted by a major fire. Despite recent rainfall, conditions remain dry, and West Vancouver Fire and Rescue have responded to numerous brush fires caused by backyard burning over the past few weeks.
Assistant Chief of West Vancouver Fire and Rescue Jeremy Calder said his team is seeing fire seasons with higher temperatures that start earlier and last longer.
“We need to adapt to our changing environment individually and as a community to reduce our risk to wildfire. Eliminating human caused ignitions by following West Vancouver’s open burning policies is critical to ensuring we keep our community safe.”
District bylaws prohibit open fires throughout West Vancouver, at any time of the year, including campfires, outdoor (built-in, copper/metal, or brick) fireplaces, fire pits, and clay, open fire garden heaters called chimineas. Smoking and vaping are also banned in all beaches and parks.
Fines for open-air fires start at $500.
Fire prevention tips:
- discard cigarettes safely. Do not toss from vehicles.
- stay on trails and do not smoke or use matches when in the forest.
- paper cups, food wrappers and other combustibles can provide kindling for a fire; dispose of garbage in a proper receptacle.
- dispose of glass and bottles in the recycling container or return for deposit. strong sunshine through a discarded bottle or jar can act as a magnifying glass and start fires.
- store gasoline, propane and other flammable liquids outside your home in a detached garage or shed and away from any heat sources.
Preventing wildfire risk is a shared reasonability and we urge everyone in the community to be diligent. If you see a fire, or smoke, please call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information, please visit Summer Fire Safety & Restrictions.
West Vancouver Fire and Rescue
604-925-7370