Fire danger 'extreme' in regional parks across Metro Vancouver
The fire danger rating in Metro Vancouver regional parks has been elevated to extreme, the regional authority announced Wednesday.
"After weeks of unrelenting heat and no precipitation, regional green spaces are tinder dry and extremely sensitive to sparks and fire," Metro Vancouver said in a news release.
"Warm, sunny and dry conditions are expected to continue through the week and long weekend, with forecasted temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s and no significant rainfall predicted for the next week."
The regional body asked people to use caution when visiting regional parks, which it said remain open for now, but could be closed, if necessary, with the help of local fire authorities.
Metro Vancouver said it will "increase patrols and step-up enforcement" while the fire danger rating in regional parks is extreme.
"Those found engaging in high-risk, prohibited activities could be subject to fines ranging from $500 to $10,000," the authority said.
To help prevent fires and ensure parks remain open, Metro Vancouver asked visitors to stay on designated trails, comply with posted signs, refrain from smoking except in designated areas, and refrain from lighting campfires or using briquette barbecues or stoves.
Propane barbecues and gas cooking stoves can be used under certain circumstances, but only if the municipality in which the park is located has not banned such equipment.
Anyone who spots a wildfire in a regional park should call 911 to report it and alert park staff, Metro Vancouver said.
Several municipalities around the region have also raised the fire danger rating to extreme in public parks in their jurisdictions, and some local governments have implemented bans on barbecues.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the fire danger rating is either high or extreme across nearly all of Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and the Southern Interior.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.
Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Trump campaign's 'eyes and ears' during 2016 race
A veteran tabloid publisher testified Tuesday that he pledged to be Donald Trump 's 'eyes and ears' during his 2016 presidential campaign, recounting how he promised the then-candidate that he would help suppress stories that had the potential to harm the Republican's election bid.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.