As July heats up, the City of Wrenford Parks & Trails team wants to remind residents about fire safety rules at parks and picnic sites. Whether you are booking a shelter for a family reunion or setting up a table for a casual lunch, following these simple steps keeps everyone safe.
Open flames and charcoal grills are not allowed inside covered picnic shelters. If you want to use a propane barbecue, please place it on a hard, level surface at least three metres away from tents, trees, and park buildings. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave a hot grill unattended. Children and pets should stay at least three metres away from cooking areas.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited within six metres of park entrances and washrooms under the Smoking Regulation By-law 2017-098. If you see a fire hazard or smell smoke, call 911 right away. For non-emergency issues like a broken grill or a fallen branch near a fire pit, report it by calling 311 or using the Service Wrenford portal.
"Our picnic shelters are a beloved part of the summer, but keeping them safe means following a few simple rules," says Fiona Gallagher, General Manager of Community Services. "A quick check of the area and keeping a water bucket or fire extinguisher nearby goes a long way to protecting our parks and each other."
Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) at 210 Water Street offers burn permits and safety tips for seasonal events. For a full list of rules and to book your next outdoor gathering, visit Learn about park fire safety and Rent a park shelter or picnic site.