The hot, dry weather has brought with it an increased risk of fires in Richmond.
“The risks are higher, obviously – our forested areas are a lot drier. The lack of rain, of course, adds to that,” said Richmond Fire-Rescue deputy chief Jim Wishlove, noting fires can spread more quickly when the ground is drier.
But people can help prevent fires by being aware of the risks and informing fire crews if they see or smell anything potentially dangerous, he said.
“Beyond awareness, actions speak louder than words. So, if residents, if members of the public (and) business owners, can be proactive in minimizing any potential fire ignition or fire spread, that also can have a really positive outcome.”
For example, leaves, twigs and cuttings left outside to dry after doing yard work is a fire hazard. The safer option is to take all that to the recycling yard, said Wishlove.
Meanwhile, those using Richmond’s parks and trails can keep their eyes and ears open, and call 911 if they smell or see smoke, or see others doing activities that might be unsafe, such as cooking or barbecuing outdoors, or discarding embers or cigarettes in places not designed for that.
“Our crews can arrive very quickly and that’s why we’re asking, if people see smoke, or smell smoke, even if they’re not sure if it’s a wildfire, to phone 911 right away, and we’ll dispatch our crews to take a look,” said Wishlove.
“We’d rather go and search it out and find out that it is not an emergency, than for somebody not to call.”
Earlier this month, there was a small fire in the Richmond Nature Park, said Wishlove, which is also currently very dry.
“A person passing by on the street phoned it in, our crews got there really quickly, found the fire and put it out. It was a really good outcome.”
The cause and origin of that fire is still under investigation.
Several trails, including the Nature Park East and West, have been closed by the City of Richmond to mitigate the risk of fire during the hot, dry weather.
The Shell Road Trail, Bridgeport Trail, Hamilton Trail are also currently closed.
Wishlove said that while cigarette butts are a concern, there have been less incidents than in the past, thanks to increased public awareness.
“In years past, (cigarette butts have) been a significant issue. Although with the public campaigns that have been put on through Richmond Fire, the last few years have been a lot more positive as far as having less fires,” he said. “People are obviously being aware and they’re being conscious about how they’re discarding cigarettes, more so than in years past. That’s been helpful.”
The city has also placed a ban on barbecues and stoves in many of Richmond’s parks. This ban is issued whenever a fire ban or extreme fire danger warning is in effect.
Open flame and wood, as well as charcoal, barbecues or stoves aren’t allowed in any Richmond park.
Natural gas or propane barbecues and stoves, meanwhile, are not allowed in any of the city’s parks except in the designated areas at Garry Point Park, King George Community Park, South Arm Community Park and McDonald Beach Pak.
