Coquitlam homeowners to get wildfire education

If a wildfire is sparked in the forests of Coquitlam, the outcome could be ugly for the more than 1,200 properties at the forest's edge, which is why the local fire department is educating homeowners on how to reduce anypotential damage.

"The risk is there, for sure," said Ron Beatty, assistant chief of fire prevention.

Beatty saidthe riskhas gone up over the past few years as more homes are built near the forest.

"With climate change and theamount of humidity in that forest floor has changed over the years so with thehotter summers, dryer summers, it's becoming an increasing concern on the coast as well as the Interior," he said.

The department is holding thefirst of three information sessions on Tuesday to educate residents on what they can do to prevent the spread of flames.

• Tuesday, July 16, 6 9 p.m.,Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.)
• Wednesday, July 17, 6 9 p.m.,City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way)
• Thursday, July 18, 6 9 p.m.,Burke Mountain Firehall (3501 David Ave.)

"Things as simple as pruning trees, keeping lawns trimmed and preened when you live in that kind of an area andalso choosing gravel in garden beds [rather] than bark mulch," he said.

There have been a number of wildfires in Coquitlam over the years, but none have impacted structures.

The department has invested infirefighting equipment to battle wildfires if they occur and is nowasking residents to do their part.

"It's not the actual fire often that sets homes on fire, it'sthe embers that are comingfrom forest fire. If you can keep the humidity up and [use] building materials that are fire resistant, then you're going to do yourself a huge favour when the time comes."

The events are free to attend and there is no need to register.