Police remind the public open-air fires are illegal and dangerous

Coquitlam

2024-05-01 08:43 PDT

File # Public Service Announcement

Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam Fire Rescue are reminding the public to refrain from starting fires in parks and forests.

Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam Fire Rescue are cautioning the public after discovering several fire remnants in Eagle Mountain Park located at 1799 Eagle Mountain Drive in Coquitlam. Open-air burning is illegal and due to the location in Eagle Mountain Park, there is also an increased risk of a wildfire.

Outdoor burning in the City of Coquitlam is a violation under the Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw and anyone found in violation may be fined.

To learn more, visit: City of Coquitlam – Open Air Burning

Open-air fires are illegal and dangerous as it puts everyone at a greater risk of an interface fire, said Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations Officer, Corporal Alexa Hodgins. We are urging the public to stop any open-air burning in any park as it increases the risk of forest fires within our communities.

View a larger image - Burnt grass at Eagle Mountain park in Coquitlam

View a larger image - Burnt grass, water bottles and garbage left at Eagle Mountain park in Coquitlam

BC Wildfire Service suggests a high potential for an active spring wildfire season for British Columbia.

To learn more, visit: BC Wildfire Service Spring 2024 Seasonal Outlook

The 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive in British Columbia history with more than 2.84 million hectares of forest and land burned. Ten of thousand of people were forced to evacuate and hundreds of homes and structures were lost or damaged.

To learn more, visit: British Columbia Wildfire Season Summary

Wildfire tips:

• Be aware of fire danger ratings – Weather can affect fire behaviour.
• Be FireSmart – Reduce your property’s risk from wildfires by preparing your home.
• Have a plan – create an emergency plan with your family and ensure it is easy to access at work or at home.
• Be prepared – Have a go-kit ready for every household member and a wildfire plan.
• Stay informed – Keep up-to-date on evacuation orders and alerts.

Ahead of this wildfire season, it’s important to plan, prepare and stay informed.

To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell.

For more tips, visit: British Columbia Wildfire Service

Released by:

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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