From cigarettes, to lawnmowers to dry shrubbery, the Township of Langley Fire Department is urging residents and visitors to be aware of anything they use or own that has the potential to start a fire.
“With the current dry conditions we are experiencing, there is high potential for brush and grass fires in this area,” said Township Fire Chief Stephen Gamble.
“Even if we do get some rain in the near future, it has been dry for so long that a bit of precipitation is not enough to provide relief. With several weeks of summer left, and the possibility of a dry autumn to follow, we are asking everyone to think about their actions and take steps to help avoid potentially devastating consequences.”
To prevent brush and grass fires during these extremely dry conditions:
· Do not smoke in parks, on trails, or in forested areas
· Never dispose of smoking materials on the ground, throw them from vehicle windows, or dispose of cigarette butts in flower and bark mulch beds
· If smoking, use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays to prevent ashes from falling onto combustible materials
· Be aware of all spark and fire sources
· Allow all lawn and farm equipment to cool before storing away
· Avoid operating any motorized vehicles in tall grass and vegetation when the weather is hot and dry. Motorized vehicles, particularly All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes, can produce a significant amount of heat from their exhaust systems. This heat can be enough to spark a wildfire.
· Move combustible debris at least 10 meters away from buildings, reduce the amount of fuel present on your property, prune shrubs, and remove dead and dry vegetation leading to your home
· Ensure your vehicle’s exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn
· Report any active or smoldering fires by calling 911
As of July 12, campfires have been banned throughout the Township of Langley. All campfires using solid fuel such as wood or charcoal are prohibited in Township campgrounds until further notice. The campfire ban will be lifted by the Fire Department only when cooler, wetter weather permits.
Propane or natural gas campfires, which do not generate sparks that can be carried by the wind and can be instantly extinguished at the turn of a knob, are allowed at designated campground areas.
Outdoor bonfires are not allowed on any other properties – including private lands and backyards – at any time. Outdoor burning permits are only issued in the spring and fall during official burning seasons, when weather permits.
Those who want to cook outdoors can use natural gas or propane fires contained within appliances approved by the Canadian Standards Association. Due to the extreme weather conditions, briquette barbecues and cooking stoves are now also prohibited.
For more information, call the Township of Langley Fire Department at 604.532.7500 or visit tol.ca/at-your-service.