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Toss a cigarette butt and receive a fine in Coquitlam parks

City and fire officials are stepping up enforcement in the municipality's parks and green spaces

Coquitlam city officials are stepping up patrols in the municipality to ensure residents are complying with bylaws prohibiting open air burning, tossing cigarette butts and smoking in parks.

With drier weather and warmer temperatures, the city is looking for cooperation from residents to reduce and limit the risks of fire in city parks and green spaces. Those who fail to comply with the regulations could be ticketed.

Bylaw officers and parks staff will be handing out $500 fines for smoking in parks while littering a cigarette butt can result in a $150 fine. Smoking of e-cigarettes is also banned in city parks.

Residents are also asked to relocate flammable debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from their homes and ensure their vehicles' exhaust does hit a dry lawn.

Fuel around a home should also be reduced by pruning shrubs, removing dead and try vegetation and tree limbs, according to a city press release. The roof and gutters should also be clear of debris and dead needles.

The fire risk in the area is currently rated low but is expected to elevate if the warm and dry weather persists.

For more information and prevention tips, go to www.coquitlam.ca/seasonalsafety.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com

@gmckennaTC