Abbotsford restricts open-flame cooking

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service (AFRS) has announced stringent restrictions on open-flame cooking at public events. The current drought conditions and extreme fire danger rating within the City of Abbotsford have elevated the urgency of cautionary measures, as fires can easily ignite, spread swiftly, and pose challenges to firefighting efforts.

While AFRS and the City of Abbotsford remain steadfast in their support for community events and celebrations, the dangers associated with open-flame cooking, particularly involving oil-based deep fat frying, have prompted the intervention. Instances of spills and splatters during cooking can lead to catastrophic consequences for event organizers and attendees alike. Open-flame cooking encompasses activities such as boiling large pots of water for hotdogs and deep frying items like french fries, samosas, fritters, pakoras, and doughnuts – all of which involve oil-based deep fat frying.

According to AFRS, the use of an NFPA 96 approved facility, such as a commercial kitchen, or an AFRS/Greater Vancouver inspected and licensed food truck (with Fraser Health approval), remains permissible for open-flame cooking. However, if these alternatives are unavailable, AFRS will allow outdoor open-flame cooking only when specific safety requirements are strictly adhered to.

Key safety measures that event organizers and operators must follow include having a comprehensive cooking safety plan in place, providing emergency contact information, and ensuring the availability of a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A-10BC. Furthermore, the use of certified appliances and fire-retardant tents or awnings is mandatory. Compliance with Canadian Standards Association regulations for appliances is vital, and a designated 3-foot radius for cooking with an open flame, as well as the presence of a nearby fire extinguisher, is non-negotiable for operation.