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
Appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
BREAKING Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants
Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment that is banned at Queen’s Park.
CTE: Researchers believe widespread brain injury may contribute to veteran suicide rate
Researchers are working to better understand if some Canadian military veterans may be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE -- a disorder previously found in the brains of professional football and hockey players after their death.
1 arrested in northern Alberta during public shelter order
Residents of John D'Or Prairie, a community on the Little Red River Cree Nation in northern Alberta, were told to take shelter Thursday morning during a police operation.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
New deep-water channel allows first ship to pass Key bridge wreckage in Baltimore
The first cargo ship passed through a newly opened deep-water channel in Baltimore on Thursday after being stuck in the harbor since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed four weeks ago, halting most maritime traffic through the city's port.
First in Canada procedure performed at London, Ont. hospital
A London man has become the first person in Canada to receive a robotic assisted surgery on his spine. Dave Myeh suffered from debilitating, chronic back pain that led to sciatica in his right now and extreme pain in his lower back.