Press Releases

Chilliwack, BC: Heading into the long weekend, the Chilliwack Fire Department would like to remind residents to be vigilant and help prevent wildfires this long weekend.

The region is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions. When the weather is warm and dry, the risk of fire ignition and fire spread increases. In dry conditions, there are steps everyone can take to help prevent human-caused fires.

Residents are encouraged to help keep their community safe with these tips:

• Follow all fire bans and restrictions. A campfire ban is currently in effect for the region.
• Dispose of any smoking materials properly in non-combustible ashtrays, or extinguish them in water or sand.
• When using barbeque grills, maintain clearance from combustible decks, fences, and vegetation.
• Allow ashes to completely cool and then dispose of them in metal containers. Barbeque ashes can maintain ignition temperatures for many hours, even if the surface is cool to touch.
• Avoid parking vehicles in dry, weedy areas. The temperature of vehicle exhaust components can easily ignite dry grass and weeds.

If you see a wildfire in the back country, report it to BC Wildfire Service as soon as possible by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone. For additional tips, visit BC Wildfire Service’s Wildfire Prevention page.

-30-

Media contact:

Chris Wilson, Assistant Chief, Emergency Preparedness
Chilliwack Fire Department
Phone: 604.793.2730
[email protected]