Image: Pattison Media / File

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Fire Safety

Chilliwack Fire Department asks residents to be wary of fires over long weekend

Aug 5, 2023 | 6:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — Given the widespread challenges British Columbians have seen this wildfire season, it’s not a surprise to see the Chilliwack Fire Department reaching out to residents, asking them to take extra precautions over the B.C. Day long weekend.

In a news release, the fire department reminds residents to be vigilant and help prevent wildfires. It says the region is experiencing extremely dry conditions right now. And when the weather is warm and dry, the risk of fire ignition and fire spread increases.

It says in dry conditions, residents should respect all fire bans and restrictions including the current campfire ban. Disposing of any smoking materials should be done properly in non-combustible ashtrays, or extinguished in water or wet sand.

When using a barbeque, you should have plenty of clearance from any combustible materials such as decks, fences, and vegetation. Ashes from a barbeque should be allowed to cool before being disposed of in metal containers. It says barbeque ashes can maintain fire ignition temperatures for hours, even if the surface is cool to touch.

When operating a vehicle, ATV or motorcycle in dry, weedy areas, exhaust components can easily ignite a fire.

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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.