Maple Ridge, B.C., May 27, 2026 – Following this weekend's fire along the interface of the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, the City of Maple Ridge is reminding residents to prepare now for what is expected to be a hot and active wildfire season across British Columbia.
Wildfires can affect communities through smoke, evacuation alerts and orders, road closures, and utility outages. Residents are encouraged to take steps now to protect their households, properties, and neighbourhoods.
"I want to thank our fire crews and our partner agencies for their quick response and hard work during this weekend's fire," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "As wildfire risks continue to increase across the region, preparation and prevention are more important than ever. The City continues to invest in emergency preparedness and fire response, including the addition of 20 new firefighters over the past two years, while enhancing emergency planning and wildfire resiliency initiatives and encouraging residents to take simple FireSmart steps to help protect their homes and neighbourhoods."
Be Fire Safe This Summer:
Residents are reminded to take extra precautions during dry summer conditions:
- No smoking is permitted in City parks and trails.
- Never leave barbecues or gas campfire devices unattended.
- Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, never on the ground or in planters.
- Avoid using equipment that can generate sparks near dry grass or brush.
- Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited (fireworks, binary exploding targets
burn barrels and burn cages, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners, carbonizers) - Report any signs of fire immediately by calling 9-1-1. To report an unattended fire or wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell
Reduce Wildfire Risk Around Your Home
- Remove dry leaves, needles, and debris from roofs, gutters, decks, and yards
- Keep grass cut short
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and other combustibles away from buildings
- Trim branches and vegetation close to structures
- Clear materials from under decks, stairs, and fences
- Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street
- Keep driveways and access routes clear for emergency vehicles
Prepare for Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect everyone, especially seniors, infants, pregnant people, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other health conditions. When smoke levels are high:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed
- Use or make your own air filtration if available
- Reduce strenuous outdoor activity
- Check on neighbours and family members who may need support
- Keep extra medication on hand if needed
City Advancing Wildfire Resiliency Work
The City of Maple Ridge has received $150,000 through the Union of BC Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program to strengthen local wildfire preparedness and response.
The funding will support:
- Updates to the City's Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan
- Hiring a temporary full-time FireSmart Coordinator for 12 months
- Expanded FireSmart education and outreach activities
- Establishment of a Local FireSmart Collective Program
- Involvement with First Nations and community interest holders
The work will help strengthen Maple Ridge's ability to respond to wildfire risks, particularly within wildfire urban interface (WUI) areas, while supporting future funding opportunities for FireSmart assessments and improvements for residents, including vulnerable populations such as seniors.
"Wildfire resiliency requires a coordinated approach that includes planning, education, mitigation, and community involvement," said Fire Chief Dave Samson. "This funding will help strengthen the City's preparedness efforts while giving residents more tools and information to help reduce wildfire risk around their homes."
Be Emergency Ready
Residents are encouraged to create a household emergency plan and ensure every member of the household knows what to do if an evacuation alert (be ready to leave) or order (leave immediately) is issued. Emergency plans should include evacuation routes, communication plans, and considerations for children, seniors, pets, livestock, and anyone with mobility, medical, or language needs.
Stay Informed
Throughout wildfire season, residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts from the City at MapleRidge.ca/Alert, follow the City's social media channels @YourMapleRidge, local news, Emergency Info BC, the BC Emergency Map, and the BC Wildfire Service for updates on wildfire activity, evacuation notices, road conditions, utility outages, smoke, and weather conditions.
Residents can learn more about emergency preparedness by signing up for a free Be Emergency Ready Workshop taking place in June at MapleRidge.ca/EP.
For additional information, contact: Edd Bennett Corporate Emergency Program Manager
EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E Media@MapleRidge.ca