With the unusually damp June behind us, summer’s permanent arrival is surely imminent. And with the hot weather is an increased chance of brush fires — something the Saanich Fire Department wants to remind the public using municipal parks and trails.
“Right now, in Saanich, we’re moving from a moderate to a high fire hazard rating because of the drying trends,” said Todd Cave, assistant chief with the fire prevention division.
He’s asking smokers to ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished and properly discarded.
“One of the bigger challenges we face at this time of year is the highway-side and roadside fires, which result from the careless discarding of cigarettes out car windows,” he said.
Cave also urges park and trail users to be cognizant of bottles and broken glass, as the reflection of the sun can act as a magnifying glass.
Barbecues should be well-maintained, no matter which kind you’re using. Briquettes should be soaked in a water and put in a metal container before being thrown away.
“This is a busy time for us,” Cave said. “We just ask that people be safe when they’re out in the community.”
kslavin@saanichnews.com
