The first line of defense is managing the risk of fires in regional parks depending on the fire danger rating.
When the fire danger risk is
moderate:
- All park operations vehicles are equipped with required fire season equipment.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated areas and only as the local fire departments allow.
- Campfire apparatus (CSA or ULC approved only) with a maximum 15 cm flame are allowed in designated areas.
- Briquette and propane barbecues and gas stoves are allowed in picnic shelters under direct supervision.
When the fire danger risk is
high:
- Park staff patrols are increased.
- High Fire Danger signs are posted.
- Designated smoking areas may be closed.
- Campfires are no longer permitted (except in supervised campgrounds i.e. Edgewater Bar at Derby Reach Regional Park and Fort Camping at Brae Island Regional Park)
- Campfire apparatus (CSA or ULC approved only) with a maximum 15 cm flame are allowed in designated areas.
- Propane barbecues and gas cooking stoves are allowed in picnic shelters under direct supervision. (Briquette barbecues/stoves can be used in picnic shelters, but are not preferred.)
- Local fire authorities may ban the use of briquette barbecues, propane stoves or campfire apparatuses in some parks.
When the fire danger risk is
extreme:
- The frequency of park staff patrols is further increased.
- Extreme Fire Danger signs are posted in picnic areas and campgrounds.
- In consultation with local fire authorities, public access restrictions may be imposed.
- Campfires and briquette barbecues are prohibited.
- Propane barbecues or gas cooking stoves are permitted in picnic shelters under direct supervision.
- Campfire apparatus (CSA or ULC approved only) with a maximum 15 cm flame are allowed in supervised campgrounds only (i.e. Edgewater Bar at Derby Reach Regional Park and Fort Camping at Brae Island Regional Park)
- Local fire authorities may ban the use of propane stoves or campfire apparatuses.
Wildfire preparedness & response
Regional Parks staff are actively engaged in fire prevention and detection throughout the fire season (May to October). Staff have S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety training.
Each park has a Fire Preparedness and Response Plan that includes:
- description of access for fire vehicles,
- possible staging areas for fire trucks and command stations,
- location of fire hydrants, water stand pipes and other water sources, and
- special circumstance areas.
Each park also has wildfire suppression equipment. A fully equipped fire trailer can be transported to any park site quickly.
If a wildfire breaks out
- Trained park staff are first to respond and they call 911 immediately.
- Local fire departments have authority over fire incidents.
- Metro Vancouver has a specialized Watershed Fire Protection Program with higher levels of training and extra resources that are on-call 24 hours a day during fire season. In total, there are 1 or 2 initial attack crews that are available to respond to fires in parks.
How you can help
- Check the
fire danger rating for the regional park you plan to visit.
- Please comply with the posted signs and fire danger guidelines (e.g. no campfires, propane barbecues only).
- If you spot a wildfire, call 911 immediately.