ON July 7, a Richmond RCMP officer conducting proactive patrols encountered a brush fire near the parking lot of a local shopping centre in the 6500-block of No. 3 Road. The fire, which is believed to have been caused by a discarded cigarette butt, was quickly extinguished by the officer.

Inspector Mike Roberts, Operations Officer, Richmond RCMP, said: “This incident highlights the importance of properly handling ignited articles such as cigarette butts. With the current dry weather, even a small spark can lead to a potentially dangerous situation. We urge all residents to be extra cautious and responsible.”

In light of the dry weather conditions, Richmond RCMP is urging residents to be vigilant and take extra precautions to prevent fires. Residents are reminded to properly extinguish cigarette butts and dispose of them safely.