A ban on fires – including cigarette smoking – takes effect today in New Westminster parks.
Glen Bailey, acting assistant chief with New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, said the city is introducing a fire ban in the city’s parks, matching a ban being enacted by the province. It takes effect at noon on Thursday, June 8.
“No open flame is permitted anywhere in city green spaces. That includes cigarettes,” he said. “The only thing allowed at this time is propane barbecues.”
While propane barbecues are still permitted to be used in parks, Bailey said that could change if further restrictions are needed this summer.
“Charcoal burns and burns and burns for hours,” he explained about charcoal barbecues. “If people use wood, obviously there are sparks.”
Effective at noon today, campfires are banned in many areas of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, in an effort to prevent human-caused wildfires and to protect public safety. Outdoor stoves are not included in the ban, but fireworks, chimineas and tiki and similar kinds of torches are covered by the ban.
As part of the New West ban, Bailey said cigarette smoking is not allowed in local parks.
The fire department also encourages smokers to be cautious when disposing of their cigarette butts.
“Just be really careful if you are a smoker,” Bailey said. “Dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly.”
If you see smoke, call 911 immediately, Bailey advised.
New Westminster firefighters have been responding to an increasing number of “wildland” fires in recent weeks. These fires often occur when someone has thrown a cigarette butt into a garden or grassy/bark mulched area.
