If you had plans to BBQ in a Richmond park this summer, you’ll need to find a new location.
The City of Richmond issued an Extreme Fire Hazard on Tuesday, August 1st which includes a Richmond barbecue ban.
The statement comes as temperatures reach soaring temperatures through the week over 30°C and conditions become extremely dry.
The City of Richmond has closed these trails and parks until further notice due to the extreme weather:
- Shell Road Trail;
- Horseshoe Slough Trail;
- Bridgeport Trail;
- Queens Canal Trails;
- Nature Park West park, boardwalks and trails; and
- Nature Park East park, boardwalk and trails
The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch had already banned open fires in BC parks, but now the City of Richmond has taken things a step further. All open-air burning is completely banned in the city, and this includes barbecues.
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The city has categorized the warning in the Danger Class and that the capacity for a fire to start is extremely high, even from a simple cigarette butt.
The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch defines the Danger Class Rating of Extreme as, “Extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk are very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts.”
The city urges citizens to take extra efforts in the heat to stay hydrated and wear protective clothing. In addition, they urge people to avoid strenuous exercise in the extreme heat.
