Smoking ban goes into effect in Burnaby

BURNABY (NEWS1130) – The city of Burnaby has followed Vancouver and banned smoking in its parks until further notice. The Burnaby Now reports the city is on high alert given the hot, dry conditions and lighting up in parks, green spaces and on trails is no longer allowed.

And if you’re caught ignoring the ban, you could be fined up to $2,000.

Here’s what isn’t banned: cooking stoves powered by gas, propane or briquettes and portable campfires with flames shorter than 15 centimeters.

Extreme fire danger has led the city of Vancouver to adopt a smoking ban right before the B.C. Day long weekend, with stepped up enforcement in Stanley Park and Jericho. While the ban is a result of dry weather, starting September 1st, there will be no smoking in the city parks for the health of other people. Being caught lighting up will cost you $250 in fines.

The city of Richmond has put up a smoking ban on trails along Shell Road and through Richmond Nature Park last week as well.

And of course, campfires are still off limits in much of the province as weather conditions remain tinder-dry at many campgrounds across B.C.