Officials urge public to take safety precautions

As of 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, Whistler’s Fire Danger Rating returns to ‘EXTREME’.  This means that fires of any kind, or any size, in any location are prohibited.  The use of CSA-rated or ULC-rated portable firepits is also prohibited. 

Everyone should:

• Take extreme care with any activity. Even at home or in your backyard, a lantern or candle left unattended can start a fire that can quickly spread to surrounding trees and threaten an entire neighbourhood.
• Avoid any activity that could create a spark or ignite a fire such as parking a vehicle on dry grass or shrubs.
• Fully extinguish smoke butts with water and dispose in a garbage can. NEVER throw smoke butts out a vehicle window.
• Immediately report any smoke or fire to 9-1-1 or *5555 on a cellphone outside of municipal boundaries.

For more wildfire prevention information, visit whister.ca/fire.

Heat wave anticipated to continue to Sunday, August 15; Whistler Community Services Society to set up hydration stations

Whistler is expected reach temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius starting Wednesday, August 11 and continue on to Sunday, August 15.

While forecast temperatures are not anticipated to reach the heat alert levels recorded during the extreme heat event in June, health officials and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is encouraging residents and visitors to stay cool, safe and check in on those vulnerable to extreme heat during this period.

In addition to Whistler’s lakes and parks, the public can take refuge at the Whistler Public Library and Meadow Park Sports Centre.  For hours of operation, visit whistlerlibrary.ca and whistler.ca/meadowpark. For Whistler’s park listing and directions, visit www.whistler.ca/parks.

Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) will be supporting hydration efforts by distributing water at the Whistler Public Library (4329 Main Street), the WCSS Food Bank (8000 Nesters Road) and the Re-Build It Centre (1003 Lynham Road) on Wednesday, August 11 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m and Thursday, August 12 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. On Friday, August 13, WCSS will be distributing water at the Food Bank and Re-Build It Centre locations between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

To avoid heat illness, drink plenty of water throughout the day. When outside, seek out shade as much as possible, and wear sunscreen and a hat. When possible, avoid strenuous activity.

Be aware of the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can affect anyone, but especially those most vulnerable:

• Seniors and children under five years old
• People with pre-existing health conditions or those on certain medications
• Outdoor workers
• People exercising outdoors
• People or pets left in the direct sun or in vehicles

Symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion can include:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid breathing/heartbeat
• Confusion
• Extreme thirst
• Lethargy
• Decreased urination and/or dark-coloured urine.

If you are experiencing non-urgent, heat-related symptoms and require medical advice, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. For critical, life-threatening conditions, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. This includes anyone experiencing difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or chest pain.

For more information on heat impacts and sun safety, visit vch.ca.