The dry, hot weather has prompted Delta to raise its fire rating to extreme.
Government officials have also put their emergency operations centre on standby to be deployed if needed and as of 5 p.m. today (Wednesday), several Delta parks will be temporarily closed.
The parks include: the Boundary Bay Park Reserve, 35 – 66 St. in Tsawwassen, North 40 Park Reserve, north of Churchill Street in Ladner, the Cougar Canyon Nature Reserve, 11300 Block of 72 Avenue, North Delta, the Delta Nature Reserve, 8000 Nordel Way, North Delta and Watershed Park, 11600 Kittson Parkway, North Delta.
Delta said this list of park closures is subject to change. Residents are asked to visit Delta.ca for updates.
“These closures are an inconvenience to our residents, businesses and visitors during the summer season, but it is important that we make fire safety a top priority to protect our diverse and expansive parks and wilderness areas,” said a Delta media release. “Delta fire, Delta police, the Corporation of Delta's park patrols and bylaw staff are actively patrolling parks, beaches and Burns Bog access points to ensure no unauthorized activities are taking place. Violators who fail to comply with the park closures and bans will be charged with the offence of trespass, which carries a fine of $200.”
Conditions remain volatile throughout the province. In these extreme fire conditions, fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts.
An open burning ban is in effect for all areas of Delta. There is also an open cooking ban (propane and briquette barbecues) and no smoking ban in all Delta parks until further notice.
Residents can report all fires to 9-1-1 and any unauthorized activities, such as smoking or campfires in Delta parks, to the Delta police at 604-946-4411.
You can also follow these helpful tips:
* Do not discard smoking materials from vehicles; use vehicle interior ashtrays
* Do not dispose of cigarette butts in flower beds or bark mulch beds
* Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays to prevent ashes from falling onto combustible materials
* Allow lawn and farm equipment to cool before storing away
* Exercise caution with All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), which produce a tremendous amount of heat and can ignite brush from their exhaust system
* Be aware of all spark and fire sources
* Campfires and propane and briquette barbecues are prohibited everywhere
* Be cautious around fire in windy conditions
For updates on the current fire danger rating and park closures in Delta, visit delta.ca or follow Delta on Facebook or Twitter.
