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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.