Local fire services take to social media to warn of elevated risk during heat wave
Fire services across Metro Vancouver are warning people about the increased danger posed by hot dry weather on the South Coast.
Port Moody Fire Rescue took to Twitter to alert people that the fire risk in the community has been elevated to high, one step below extreme, as a heat wave combined with very little recent precipitation creates tinder-dry conditions in the forests surrounding the community.
The City of North Vancouver Fire Department tweeted a video of a cigarette smouldering in the dirt next to a fence as a reminder that people should be disposing of their butts safely.
And North Van District firefighters expect the fire danger rating in that community to escalate significantly in the coming days.
“Currently, in North Van, we’re at moderate. But we’ll certainly see that ho to high this weekend, and potentially to extreme if this weather carries on,” Asst. Chief Brad Gaudette told CTV News.
Last month, before the current heat wave, fire crews in Vancouver knocked down a blaze that destroyed a large tree in Stanley Park, preventing it from spreading.
In an email to CTV News, Vancouver Park Board staff said they hope people can enjoy the city’s parks responsibly during this atypically hot period.
That means no smoking at any parks or beaches and closely following Park Board guidelines about where and how to safely use gas and charcoal grills.
A wildfire burning near Hope has kept crews from the BC Wildfire Service busy this week — also prompting a reminder that in these conditions even a tiny spark can turn into a raging fire, especially if the wind picks up.
Currently, in the Coastal Fire Zone, open burning is banned, but camp fires are still allowed — for now.
“We are looking closely at it,” said Fire Information Officer Dorothe Jakobsen. “Our experts are looking at potentially bringing in a campfire ban before the Canada Day holiday.”
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.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
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.