Firefighters and bylaw officers are conducting random patrols throughout Surrey – including at Crescent Beach – in an effort to curb violations of the city’s open-fire ban.
“There (are) no open fires allowed in Surrey,” assistant fire Chief Chris Keon said last week – prior to White Rock’s huge condo fire Sunday – noting complaints of beach fires in South Surrey have been an issue of late.
“Hopefully, if we patrol enough, we’ll chase the people away and they’ll stop. It’s taking us away from duties we’d much prefer to be doing.”
Keon didn’t have statistics from patrols to date, but confirmed crews were out with city bylaws staff last Wednesday night.
A news release issued Thursday notes firefighters have dealt with 26 brush/grass fires throughout the city since May 1 – many ignited by carelessly discarded cigarettes and smoking materials.
While none have gotten out-of-control, the potential is there, assistant Chief Steve Robinson said.
“Absolutely. A smoldering cigarette can absolutely start a larger fire,” Robinson told Peace Arch News Friday. “Last year we had in excess of about 30 fires that required 500 gallons of water to extinguish.”
Robinson said signs will be erected at park entrances advising people of the open-fire ban and to be cautious.
“Hopefully getting the message out …that people need to take care. We have a beautiful city,” he said.
He noted the fine for violating the ban is $250.
One resident who contacted PAN regarding fire concerns said she is routinely calling the fire department to investigate beach fires between 100 Steps and Maple Street in Crescent Beach. Another said she came across a smoldering cigarette butt as she was leaving the off-leash area in Blackie Spit Park Thursday afternoon.
Regarding the beach fires, Keon said the issue is no more prevalent now than it has been in past years.
He acknowledged that smoke from the illegal burns is also “a nuisance,” and said the random patrols will continue throughout the summer in an effort to quell both that aspect and the danger.
“We’re doing what we can,” he said.
In addition to open fires, Surrey’s ban extends to the use of charcoal barbecues in parks and on city beaches.
