Outdoor home improvements are a popular activity among Coquitlam property owners every summer.

But whether that's uprooting the front and back yards, upgrading the roof or building a gazebo, the city is reminding everyone to take all precautions necessary to avoid starting a fire.

"There are a number of steps that homeowners can take during home and property renovations to help prevent a fire during hot, drier summer months, and to ensure their properties, and our community, remain safe," says Coquitlam Fire Rescue chief Jim Ogloff in a statement.

"All homeowners should consult local bylaws and registered covenants on the use of materials and design approaches prior to building construction."

Coquitlam currently has a low fire rating, as of this publication (July 13), meaning the risk of a big blaze is minimal as temperatures hover around the mid-20s.

However, with humidity, the mercury could rise up to 30 C as early as tomorrow (July 14).

There are also no local burning bans in effect — though residents could receive a $500 fine for smoking in public parks — and starting noon on Friday (July 15), the Coastal Fire Centre is prohibiting categories 2 and 3 open fires until Oct. 28.

This includes fireworks, sky lanterns, air curtain burners and binary exploding targets, among others.

Ogloff lists the following tips to reduce the risk of sparking a fire while conducting construction or landscaping projects on local properties:

Ogloff adds, for landscaping, the above particularly applies to residents with property next to forests and wildlands.

For more information on fire safety in Coquitlam's proximity, you're encouraged to visit the city's website.