Even Vancouver is at risk for an out-of-control brush fire, say officials
Vancouver fire officials are warning that even in a big city like Vancouver, the risk of an out-of-control brush fire is high.
The warning, which came Saturday morning from Vancouver Fire Services captain Jonathan Gormick, describes the city’s fire danger level as “high” and warns residents not to be lulled into a false sense of security.
“A brush fire could become out of control in minutes, threatening structures and life,” Gormick said in a news release.
Cigarette butts are a particular concern, and if a single butt meets dry grass, Vancouver could be in for a big fire.
“Little is needed to ignite grass, brush, or any other organic matter, and that once lit, fires will spread rapidly and grow exponentially,” Gormick said.
While Vancouver may seem at less risk than other towns or cities that are bordered by large natural areas, the city’s extensive park systems, green spaces, trees and plant life mean it's still at risk. And, after a prolonged, dry spring and above-average temperatures, that vegetation is dry and vulnerable.
The warning comes after a dangerous heat wave saw multiple hot weather records broken across B.C., and as multiple areas of the province are under evacuation orders or warnings due to wildfires. It also comes after the entire town of Lytton was destroyed by a devastating fire.
Many different things could lead to an out-of-control fire in Vancouver, say officials, and all outdoor fires are banned.
“The heat from combustion-powered devices such as pressure washers and generators could easily ignite nearby material, and outdoor fires of any kind are prohibited year-round,” Gormick said.
But, the most significant risk is from cigarette butts, which cause “almost 100 per cent of Vancouver’s outdoor fires.”
To that end, Vancouver Fire Services is reminding people not to throw cigarette butts into the bushes, onto the ground, or into a planter, and that smoking is prohibited in all City of Vancouver parks.
“The risk from butts thrown from vehicles is significant, and since 2017 has been punishable with a $500 fine. Always place butts in approved containers.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Alice Munro, Nobel literature winner revered as short story master, dead at 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant who became one of the world's most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history's most honoured short story writers, has died at age 92.
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Attack on prison van in France kills 2 officers, inmate escapes
Armed assailants killed two French prison officers and seriously wounded three others in an attack on a convoy in Normandy on Tuesday and an inmate escaped, officials said.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence for 10 years under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region
A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Manitoba premier to visit areas impacted by wildfire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will get a close-up look at the devastation from a large wildfire burning in northern Manitoba Tuesday.
1 killed, 3 injured including toddler, after Hwy. 417 crash in Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Police are responding to a fatal collision involving two vehicles on Highway 417 in Ottawa's west end on Tuesday morning.