Summer Fire Safety

Don't Let Our Parks Go Up in Smoke

During the summer season's drier and warmer temperatures, residents need to take steps that can both reduce and limit the risk of fire. This includes adhering to City bylaws that ban open air burning, littering cigarette butts and smoking in parks. Protect yourself, your family and our community this summer by following these simple tips.

  • Do not smoke in parks. Not only is smoking – including e-cigarettes – banned in City parks, but the fine – normally $150 – increases to $500 during summer due to heightened fire risk. 
  • Do not litter cigarette butts. Doing so can result in a $150 fine.
  • Do not have any open fires or conduct outdoor burning.
  • Watch for bans on using barbeques (see details below).
  • Relocate combustible debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from your home.
  • Be aware when mowing your lawn that if the blade comes into contact with a rock, it can cause a spark that may ignite a fire.
  • Ensure your vehicle's exhaust does not emit onto a dry lawn.
  • Reduce the amount of fuel present around your homes; prune your shrubs, remove dead and dry vegetation and tree limbs 2-3 metres from the ground.
  • Break up continuous vegetation and space so there is no continuous canopy or line of vegetation leading to your home.
  • Keep the roof and gutters clear of dead needles; prune branches that hang over the roof.

Residents should take precautions against accidental fires and be alert to signs of fire. Report any signs of smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1 immediately.

Coquitlam's Air Quality Response Planning

Wildfires have become more frequent and severe and Coquitlam has a program to establish cleaner air spaces. During BC’s wildfire season, air quality conditions can change quickly and exposure to smoke may affect your health so please visit our Clean Air Spaces webpage for more information and resources on the activation of Clean Air Spaces in Coquitlam. 

  1. Fire-risk Rating

    Fire Risk Rating Gauge. Current level is low.It's always important to keep an eye on and be aware of the local fire-risk rating as there are a number of changes and impacts to residents when it increases such as barbeque bans in our parks or the relaxation of watering restrictions in areas adjacent to heavily wooded/forested areas such as Mundy Park the northern forested boundary of the city.

    The current fire risk is “LOW”

Wildland / Urban Interface Areas

Coquitlam has many areas where the wilderness and urban development meet. This means that structures and vegetation are sufficiently close together that a wildfire may spread between the trees or vegetation and structures easily.

Coquitlam Fire and Rescue, along with other agencies, have the means to suppress or control structure and wildfires. With cooperation from homeowners in the urban interface areas who reduce fuel and exposure to wildland fires, we can both reduce and limit the risk of fire. Visit the Wildland / Urban Interface Areas page.

  1. Outdoor Burning, Park Events and Barbeques

Outdoor burning and campfires are not permitted in City parks. 

Fire/Rescue has Park Event Safety Guidelines to promote fire safety for events held within the City's parks. Please visit this area of the website for information.  

When the fire-risk rating has been in the 'extreme' range for more than three consecutive days, the Fire Chief may implement a barbeque ban in the city. Please read on for details for special permit for events and criteria (PDF). 

See Permit Application (PDF) here:

Criteria for the issuance of a barbeque permit and/or use of barbeques in permit exempted areas during the time of a barbeque ban, are as follows:

  • Cooking is conducted by authorized persons on an approved propane appliance only. Open flame cooking with wood or charcoal briquettes is not permitted. 
  • The barbeque is set up and properly barricaded on an asphalt or concrete surface.
  • The area is swept clean of any dried needles or flammable materials before setting up the barbeque.
  • Cooking is conducted in an open, safe location away from trees, shrubs and dry grass.
  • An approved fire extinguisher is provided near the cooking area.
  • Event approval is obtained from Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities division.
  • A designated event supervisor is in attendance at all times.

During the time that cooking is taking place; a person with access to a cell phone shall be identified and will be responsible for calling 9-1-1 in the event of a fire emergency. They shall be made aware of the correct response address.

The following park locations have been pre-approved for barbeque use, therefore, do not require an exemption permit:

  • Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave.)
    • Covered picnic area on the SE corner of the park.
    • On asphalted area on the east side of the Scout Hall just outside the covered walkway.
  • Mackin Park (1046 Brunette Avenue)
    • In the southwest corner of the park.
  • Spani Pool (655 Hillcrest Street)
    • Under the covered picnic area with concrete pad.
  • Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way)
    • The paved area by the stadium main gate, north of the change rooms.