Halloween fireworks are often a source of joy for residents of Metro Vancouver; however, a great deal of people find them to be extremely loud and dangerous.
In addition, not every city allows them, as the rules for using them differ in each one. As such, it is important to know the exact laws around using them in your city. Further, it is also important to exercise extreme caution when using them as they can cause serious harm.
Vancouver Fire and Rescue also tweeted that residents ought to, " Avoid Craigslist Or other black market fireworks."
Buying from an unauthorized retailer could result in serious damage and/or injuries. Further, they should be stored in a cool, dry place and never carried in pockets. You should also ensure that you don't smoke around them or drop them.
For a more comprehensive list on firework safety, as well as how to properly dispose of them, go here.
Photo: fireworks display / Shutterstock
Halloween Fireworks in Metro Vancouver
Vancouver
In order to use fireworks on Halloween, people in the City of Vancouver must obtain a family fireworks permit. In order to do so, you must be 19 years of age, and they are only legal to use on October 31. What's more, you'll only be able to buy them between October 25-31. Anyone who disobeys the rules may be slapped with a hefty $500 fine.
Furthermore, fireworks can only be set off:
- On October 31
- By the permit holder: someone 19 years or older that complies with all the permit conditions
- On private property, with the property owner's written permission
- On paths that avoid people, animals, buildings, or vehicles
Find out more detailed information here.
If your halloween includes fireworks, make sure you obtain a permit https://t.co/JfXuvz7HHi, only purchase from authorized retailers & only use on the 31st on private property. Black market items have not passed Canadian safety standards, and violations could cost you $500. #VFRS pic.twitter.com/Uf3rzVf3JH
— Vancouver Fire (@VanFireRescue) October 25, 2018
Burnaby
Similar to Vancouver, fireworks may only be discharged on private property on October 31. Furthermore, you must have a permit in order to do so.
Burnaby classifies fireworks into low-hazard and high-hazard. Each permit costs $100, but you must have the specific permit required for the type of fireworks you wish to use.
- Low-hazard fireworks include firework showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn light, pin wheel, Roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers, Christmas crackers and caps for toy guns
- High-hazard fireworks include rockets, serpents, shells, bomb-shells, tourbillions, maroons, large wheels, bouquets, barrages, bombardos, waterfalls and mines.
Find out more detailed information here.
New Westminster
Any residents wishing to discharge fireworks in New Westminster must be over 18 years of age and possess a valid permit. What's more, there is a very specific time frame for when you may buy low and high hazard fireworks. With that being said, you may only set off high-hazard fireworks with a valid Special Permit from the Director of Fire and Rescue Services.
- Low-hazard Fireworks may only be purchased in the period starting on October 28 at 12:01 am until November 1st, at 12:01 am.
- High-hazard may only be purchased in the period on October 31 from 4 pm until 12:01 am on November 1.
Roman candles are illegal in New Westminster.
Find out more detailed information here.
West Vancouver
Fireworks require a permit and can only be discharged on October 27 and October 31 from 5–10 pm. You need a permit to buy fireworks, and it costs $5. The sale of permits only takes place from October 25 - 31. Also, you must be over 18 to get one.
- Fines start at $500, however, they can reach $2000 or more for misuse of fireworks. Further, the maximum fine $10,000 and six months imprisonment
- Roman Candles, rockets and other noisemakers are legal only if they make up not more than 30% of a family pack of fireworks.
Find out more detailed information here.
Port Coquitlam
You must have a permit in Port Coquitlam, and it is only valid on October 31 until 11:00 pm. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, screechers and Roman candles are completely banned in the city, and fines for violations begin at $750. As with all permits, you must be over 18 to purchase one and they cost $30.
- Permit applications must be made in person by Tuesday, Oct. 31 by 3:00 pm
- Port Coquitlam City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy St., between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Find out more detailed information here.
Coquitlam
Coquitlam has a much more complex description of rules associated with the sale and use of fireworks in the city. For one, only professionals are allowed to use high-hazard ones and they are usually used for larger event displays. Further, both low and high hazard fireworks require an application to the Fire Chief for a Fireworks Permit.
A low-hazard permit costs $50.
For low-hazard fireworks residents must provide the following information:
- The name, address and proof of age and identity of the person to whom the permit is to be issued
- If applicable, the name and address of an executive officer or other person responsible for the person receiving the permit
- The place, date, time and duration of the display
- The name and address of the owner of the property upon which the display is to be held.
North Vancouver
In order to use fireworks in the city, you must be of legal age. They cost $5, and fines can reach as much as $10,000. With a permit, you are allowed to purchase and set off fireworks during specific times:
- October 25 to October 31 — You can purchase fireworks during this period
- October 31 (6pm to 10pm) ― You can set off fireworks during this period
Find out more detailed information here.
For more Metro Vancouver guides, visit the following city pages:
