ABBOTSFORD (NEWS1130) – While BC’s record breaking dry spell means an extra long barbeque season, it also makes for the perfect condition for brush and grass fires.

At one point Saturday afternoon, three of the four fire engines in Abbotsford were dispatched to put out grass fires along Highway One.

Fire Chief Dave Rivett says they were likely caused from drivers throwing cigarette butts out the window.

“Everything is so dry along the median and boulevard, anything that’s lit at all is going to cause a major grass fire.”

Rivett says all three fires never spread beyond 50 feet and were put out within 45 minutes.

Firefighters leery about Halloween this year

This time of the year is when young people get out the Halloween special effects, like fireworks.

But there is one more reason this year why fire departments in the Lower Mainland want you to pay attention to municipal bans on fireworks.

Gabe Roder with Vancouver Fire says with grass and brush so tinder dry, fireworks could mean more than the usual burn injuries.

“This time of year, especially this year, we want people to be very careful when playing with fireworks because it only takes one spark to cause a big problem.”

Roder is urging everyone to quickly report any smoke or any smouldering.

Incidentally, firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets are all illegal in Vancouver, while fireworks are allowed only on Halloween.