| Fire Supression in Metro Vancouver Parks | Fire Supression in Metro Vancouver Parks | <div class="ExternalClass9AADFDBC86CB4FBDABF212B22799DB10"><p>Metro Vancouver manages large tracts of land, largely forested, in the region’s watersheds and regional parks. These lands are susceptible to fire, from natural or human causes, particularly during drier summer months. </p><p>We take a proactive approach to fire management in our natural areas. All of our watersheds and regional parks have wildfire plans to protect our drinking water resources, ensure public safety and protect the region's important natural areas and ecosystems. </p><p>During the
<em>Fire Season</em> which can begin in early April, staff are particularly aware of fire risk. An internal
<em>Fire Conditions Task Group</em> uses information documented regularly in the
<em>Watershed Protection Fire Weather Report</em>, which is prepared by Water Services staff and distributed to a multitude of agencies including local fire departments, internal work groups and local governments. </p><p>Metro Vancouver operates a number of fire weather stations around the region, used to collect data to assess fire risks. Current fire risk information is posted to our
<a href="/services/parks/temporary-closures/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">website</a>. These ratings can change very quickly, and are assessed based on current weather, wind, precipitation, moisture in the ground and other factors. </p><p>Metro Vancouver staff working in the watersheds and regional parks are trained in fire suppression, and have specialized equipment on site. All training is coordinated, and staff are in constant contact with member municipalities, the Province and local fire authorities. </p><p>When the forest does become extremely dry, Metro Vancouver in coordination with local governments and fire authorities may restrict access to certain areas of our regional parks and will place limits on outdoor cooking and campfires / portable propane apparatus. </p><p>Regional park users also play a role in fire safety. The public serve as eyes and ears in the parks to report sparks, fire incidents or fire risk behaviours by other park users. </p><p>Metro Vancouver staff are constantly making decisions based on fire risk information and weather conditions to ensure public safety and the protection of our natural areas. Fire protection at Metro Vancouver is everyone’s business. </p></div> | http://www.metrovancouver.org/metroupdate/PublishingImages/issue23-firerating.jpg | 2016-07-28T07:00:00Z | GP0|#2d395db4-59c2-4bcd-8cf3-118afd214b4e;L0|#02d395db4-59c2-4bcd-8cf3-118afd214b4e|Issue 23;GTSet|#d14ffe11-45dc-48fb-8684-ff109cf15a74 | <div class="ExternalClass965624DD6EDA47D1BEA75ED7C14AF6FA"><p>Moving around the Province this summer you will see Fire Rating signs posted in communities, and at the entrance way to most parks. Here's a look at what we do in Metro Vancouver to protect our beautiful Regional Parks for the risk of wildfire. </p></div> | 0 | |
