Metro Vancouver parks closed amid extreme fire danger

Delta blocks access to parks over fire risk Heat records are being shattered in the Lower Mainland and conditions are so dry that some parks are closed to the public.

The mayor of Delta, B.C., has closed five local parks over wildfire concerns.

Tinder dry conditions coupled with a lack of provincial resources and extreme fire risk are behind the decision.

Lois Jackson explained that the conditions mean that any park fire would start easily, spread quickly and challenge fire suppression efforts.

The following parks will remain temporarily closed until further notice:

An open burning ban is in effect in the city, including propane and briquette BBQs. Smoking is also banned in all area parks until further notice.

Park staff, police and fire officials are actively patrolling the closed parks, and violators could be charged and fined for unauthorized park use.