The City of Surrey has activated its Dry Season Action Plan, anticipating an especially toasty summer.
According to a city press release issued May 30, Surrey firefighters dealt with 505 brush and grass fire calls in 2024 and the plan –developed by Surrey Fire Service and the City of Surrey's parks and bylaws enforcement departments in anticipation of a dry, hot summer – aims to reduce brush fires thus enhancing public safety.
“The Dry Season Action Plan represents a comprehensive and collaborative effort by our City departments to protect our community, natural areas, and visitors from the risk of wildfires," Mayor Brenda Locke explained. "Public safety is our top priority as we prepare for what is expected to be a particularly dry and hot summer in Surrey.
"By proactively implementing these measures, we can reduce the likelihood of fires, respond swiftly to emerging hazards, and help everyone remain safe while enjoying our beautiful environment," she said. "It is crucial that residents and visitors also take personal responsibility—staying informed, following safety guidelines, and properly disposing of smoking materials—to help us prevent fires and keep Surrey a safe and vibrant place for all.”
As part of the strategy Surreyites will see signs alerting them to the current fire danger rating and letting people know where tossed cigarettes have started fires. The press release promises "seamless collaboration between Fire Services, Parks, and Bylaw teams to monitor conditions and respond swiftly to emerging risks."
You can learn more about Surrey’s burning regulations and permits on the City of Surrey's website.
Meantime, open burning has been banned in Surrey since May 1.
Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Siggs noted that while open burning – including in backyards and on beaches – is strictly prohibited within city limits, using natural gas, propane, or charcoal briquettes is permitted as long as they are used in ULC/CSA-approved devices designed for such.
"Charcoal briquettes are allowed on private property; however, their use may be restricted in city parks and on city beaches when the fire danger rating is classified as high or extreme," Siggs noted.
