As the extended hot weather spell continues, about a dozen grass and brush fires have been reported in Richmond over the past week.
Like most areas in the province, Richmond has a fire rating of extreme danger, given the hotter and drier summer this year. The extreme heat makes 870 hecatres of park lands in Richmond vulnerable to fires, according to the City of Richmond.
While parks and trails remain open, there is a complete ban on barbeques and stoves at any time in city parks and beaches.
People are also being reminded to not discard cigarette butts from vehicles, sidewalks or in bins, even though they have been extinguished — they should be put in sand or water before being thrown out.
There is a $200 fine for not discarding a cigarette or smoking butt correctly and a fine of up to $10,000 for not following fire bans and restrictions.
Water resources are also a concern during the extended heat and related drought conditions.
Metro Vancouver reported a 21 per cent increase in water use compared to the same period last year.
Richmond is on stage one water restrictions until Oct. 15, but this can change if the warm weather and drought conditions continue.
This means residents at even-numbered addresses can only water lawns on Saturday with automatic watering from 5 to 7 a.m. and manually from 6 to 9 a.m.
Odd-numbered addresses may water lawns on Sunday with automatic watering from 5 to 7 a.m. and manually from 6 to 9 a.m.
Source/ Richmond News
