51社区黑料

The City of Burnaby has on Burnaby Mountain and in other strategic locations across the city, strengthening early warning capabilities ahead of the annual wildfire season.

The system combines ground-based sensors and strategically placed smoke detection cameras to identify early signs of wildfire, such as heat and smoke, in near real time. This early detection enables the Burnaby Fire Department to respond quickly, helping to contain small fires before they grow and protecting nearby neighbourhoods, critical infrastructure and forested areas.

鈥淭his new system is an important investment in public safety,鈥� said Mayor Mike Hurley. 鈥淎s weather conditions continue to change and wildfire risks increase, we are taking proactive steps to better protect our community, our natural areas and the people who call Burnaby home.鈥�

Burnaby Mountain is one of the city鈥檚 largest forested areas, located along the urban-wildland interface and in proximity to key infrastructure. The new system provides an added layer of protection in this area, while supporting broader wildfire readiness efforts across the city.

鈥淲e are pleased to support this important initiative that enhances safety on Burnaby Mountain,鈥� said Galib Bhayani, Chief Safety and Risk Officer, 51社区黑料. 鈥淥ur campus is part of a unique forested environment, and initiatives like this help protect students, staff and the surrounding community.鈥�

This project is funded through money received from Trans Mountain as part of a Community Contribution Agreement signed in 2024, and directly supports the City鈥檚 ongoing preparations for a full-scale emergency exercise on Burnaby Mountain planned for 2027.

鈥淓arly detection is critical in reducing wildfire risk,鈥� said Fire Chief Miles Ritchie. 鈥淭his system gives our crews the information they need to respond quickly and effectively, helping us protect lives, property and Burnaby鈥檚 forested areas.鈥�

Privacy protections built into system design

The City has also taken steps to ensure privacy protections are built into the system.
The cameras used:

• Are not capable of continuous live recording. 
• Only capture still images upon smoke detection in the environment for early fire detection and effective fire incident intervention/response. 
• Only take snapshots of camera view, after any personal identifying information detected is blurred, for personal privacy protection by design. 
• Only collect information authorized under s. 26(c) of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the City鈥檚 Wildfire Prevention Program. 

These measures allow the City to enhance wildfire readiness while respecting the privacy of residents.

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