Despite Port Moody’s recent ban on barbecuing in city parks, the city’s three-day celebration of slow cooking and heavy eating is still slated to happen this weekend.
“That’s a concern for us but we’ve rectified it,” said Port Moody acting fire chief Kirk Heaven
Every vendor must have a hose and a fire extinguisher at the ready, Heaven explained. The event organizer, Port Moody Rotary Club, is also slated to co-ordinate a regular site review for safety hazards.
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Heaven praised the rotary club for their willingness to make adjustments to the event given the tinder dry conditions.
“It’s a big event for the city, a bigger event for the Port Moody Rotary Club,” Heaven said, noting the extensive planning and previous cancellations due to the pandemic.
Port Moody firefighters are also set to make regular inspections.
“We’re going to have them just randomly go down just to take a look around and make sure everything’s OK,” Heaven said. The fire department is also set to meet with the vendors before the event to emphasize safety concerns and answer any questions.
While there are a lot of variables to be considered, it will probably take four days of solid rain to reduce the current fire risk, Heaven estimated.
The current fire ban, which includes tiki torches, fires used for personal warmth, as well as propane and charcoal grills, is in effect in all city parks, forests and public green spaces. The prohibition is set to remain in effect until the city experiences significant rainfall.
The ongoing drought is a cause for concern, Heaven noted.
“The other scare is how late this goes in the season,” he said. “This climate change is definitely changing things.”
About Ribfest
There’s slated to be live music, craft beer and a whole lot of ribs at Rocky Point Park this weekend.
This year’s Ribfest is set to feature rubs and sauces by way of the Maritimes, the Prairies and Florida, as well as Port Moody-based Rusty’s BBQ.
Balancing out the southern-style pulled pork and chicken is the Meet2Eat food truck, which is scheduled to serve up vegetarian and vegan dishes during the fest.
The lineup of Ribfest bands is set to include Heart tribute band Barracuda, Steve Miller Band tribute group Space Cowboy, as well as original blues and R&B by the Mojo Stars.
For folks who like to enjoy their ribs in peace, the event is also slated to include a Kid’s Zone and a Quiet Zone, according to a release from Rotary Club of Port Moody.
Last spring, the province contributed $450,000 toward 20 Tri-Cities events, including $23,300 for Ribfest.
Admission is by donation. No dogs allowed. Funds raised by the event support Rotary projects.
Coquitlam limits barbecuing
Following three days of extreme fire risk, Coquitlam is asking city barbecue masters to chill their grills.
Beginning today, residents will need a permit to barbecue in several city parks. There are exceptions for designated areas at Blue Mountain, Mackin, Mundy and Town Centre parks.
Permits for community events can be obtained at no charge through the city’s Fire Prevention Division by calling 604-927-6433 or emailing firerescue@coquitlam.ca.
For more information, go to coquitlam.ca/SummerFireSafety
