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Metro Vancouver fire danger rating could soon be upgraded to ‘extreme’

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As much of the Interior burns, local fire crews are warning people that conditions here are approaching extreme conditions.

If we don’t see significant moisture for the region soon, Vancouver Fire Captain Jonathan Gormick warns that it could be a problem.

“Currently the fire hazard in all Metro Vancouver fire stations is ‘High’ and if the hot, dry weather conditions continue, we expect it to escalate to ‘Extreme’ in the next coming days.”

He adds no one has been fined for dropping cigarette butts yet, but warns there are much bigger consequences than a hefty fine. “There are no open fires in the city of Vancouver allowed and yet we still have brush fires on almost a daily basis.”

If you are caught throwing out a lit cigarette you’ll be slapped with a $500 fine. “We have almost 100 per cent of the brush fires in the City of Vancouver caused by humans, by discarded smoking materials.”

Gormick says sometimes people can get a false sense of security when a butt is dropped and a fire doesn’t start right away. “That cigarette can sit and smolder for several minutes which contributes to the problem because people tend to throw a cigarette out of a car window and not think it’s a big deal because it doesn’t ignite right away.”

He says there are a few areas in the region, crews have to pay attention to. “The three large parks that are of primary concern for Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services are Stanley Park, Everett Crowley Park and Pacific Spirit Park. Obviously because of their size.”

He notes there are more fires in smaller areas, like lawns or planters because people throw out their butts without thinking it could be problematic.

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