Extreme fire danger prompts Vancouver BBQ ban
Barbecues are being banned on all of Vancouver's beaches and in all city parks due to the extreme risk of wildfires.
The park board announced the prohibition Wednesday, roughly 24 hours before a campfire ban goes into effect for much of the province. Anyone who sees a "fire risk" which includes people using barbecues, people smoking, or people having bonfires is encouraged to report it by calling 311.
A spokesperson for the park board, in an email, told CTV news there is no penalty for violating the barbecue ban.
"There is no fine associated with using a BBQ during the ban but we do expect park and beachgoers to willingly comply in the interest of public safety. Park rangers will also be out in parks and beaches to educate users of hazards and remind people of the by-laws that prohibit smoking and fires, along with current BBQ usage guidelines," the statement said.
Smoking and bonfires are never allowed in parks or on beaches and people who breach this bylaw can be fined up to $250. CTV News has asked the park board what the penalty is for violating the barbecue ban.
No other cities have announced similar bans, but several have shared reminders on social media that smoking is banned in parks and urged anyone visiting parks to exercise caution because the danger of human-caused wildfires is significant.
The BC Wildfire Service rates the danger in Vancouver and a number of nearby cities including Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby and all of the North Shore municipalities as extreme.
"New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts," the service's website explains.
In the Fraser Valley, the fire danger is rated as high, which means "the fire risk is serious" and "new fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts."
Vancouver's barbecue ban comes amid persistent and unseasonable hot, dry conditions, which have meant an early and concerning start to the wildfire season in the province.
Already this year, more hectares have burned than in all of 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.