• BBQ fires on decks of buildings, with unacceptable clearances between BBQ’s and combustible materials, resulting in a significant fire risk. 

• Poorly discarded smoking materials, causing fires. 

• Illegal campfires, despite a campfire ban in place since May. 

A structure fire can quickly become a wildfire in an intermix zone (an area where homes are located within the forest). We all need to be vigilant at home and in the forest. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Check to make sure your deck can accommodate your BBQ. Many fires that Whistler Fire Rescue Services (WFRS) have responded to this year have been on decks of condo buildings too small for the size of the BBQ’s on them. BBQ’s should maintain clearance to combustible materials in accordance with manufacture recommendations.  We recommend a minimum of one metre all around. Combustible materials include cedar, vinyl or wood siding, railings, recyclable material, plastic or wicker deck chairs, etc. 

• Brush up on BBQ safety & keep it clean. Make sure you’re aware of the basics of BBQ safety, including keeping your grill clean and well maintained, cleaning out grease traps, checking for gas leaks, and never leaving it unattended when it use. For more: Barbecue and portable butane stove safety – Canada.ca 

• Discard of your smoking materials properly. We should all be aware of the risks of things like cigarettes thrown from cars, but there are other locations that pose a risk when careless smoking comes into play. Fire Chief Doherty says WFRS has responded multiple calls of fires on decks in recent months related to poorly discarded smoking material. 

• Respect the campfire ban. No fires or residential campfires have been allowed in Whistler since Monday, May 13 of this year. The campfire ban applies to all levels of fire danger rating, including low and moderate and will remain in effect until further notice. 

For details on all things fire in Whistler, read up on whistler.ca. 

Photo credit: Don’t love It To Death/Lorne Russell