"Smokey3" by Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Association of State Foresters and the Advertising Council
“Smokey3” by Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Association of State Foresters and the Advertising Council

Reposted from UBC Building Operations

WATERING RESTRICTIONS AND EXTREME FIRE WARNING IN PLACE AT UBC

Continued record dry and unseasonably hot weather in May, June and July has led Metro Vancouver to progress to Stage 3 water restrictions and the BC Wildfire Service to maintain their extreme fire rating for Pacific Spirit Regional Park and the lower mainland—both of which apply to the Vancouver campus. We anticipate these restrictions will continue for the rest of the summer and may become more strict.

An extreme fire rating means:

  • No burn permits will be issued until further notice.
  • All burn permits already issued are suspended until further notice.
  • Campfires and briquette barbecues are prohibited.
  • Use of propane barbecues and gas stoves is permitted in approved facilities under direct supervision.
  • Fire safety practices are in place for all UBC landscaping crews.
  • Please be aware of spark and ignition sources; smokers should carefully dispose of butts and ashes in non-flammable locations.

As of Tuesday, July 21st  UBC Vancouver has changed its water use practices, in compliance with Metro Vancouver’s Stage 3 Water Use Restrictions: 

  • Lawn watering and garden bed sprinkling will be discontinued–except for athletic fields which will be watered minimally to maintain a safe, usable condition. Minimal water may be used on artificial turf and outdoor tracks for health safety.
  • Water permits will no longer be issued or renewed for residential or commercial watering.
  • Water ponds and fountains will continue to be disconnected from the potable water feed. Most fountains have already been drained to protect them from damage.
  • Window washing will continue to be discontinued.
  • Power washing will continue to be discontinued.

What you can do to save water at UBC

If you spot any:

  • Opportunities for Building Operations to help you design your plumbing system to use less water in your research
  • Leaky faucets, shower-heads, or toilets
  • Dangerous fire risks like piled brush or improperly-stored flammables

Please contact the Building Operations Service Centre at 604.822.2173 to report the issue.

If you see fire or suspicious smoke call 911 immediately.

For more water conservation tips, please visit sustain.ubc.ca

Watering & fire restrictions

You can learn more about the new water regulations or other tips to help you save water around campus and in your home:

You can learn more about fire risk ratings and restrictions at the BC Wildfire Service website: