VANCOUVER — On Halloween, many residents in British Columbia bring out the fireworks. Experts say the practice likely emerged from a mash up of the British tradition of Guy Fawkes Night, and the use of pyrotechnics on various Chinese festivals.
Here is a list of how some B.C. municipalities deal with fireworks:
Vancouver: The sale and use of fireworks by the general public is no longer permitted in Vancouver, the city said. While fireworks may continue at community events such as Diwali, they may only be discharged by a certified firework technician.
West Vancouver and North Vancouver District: Halloween fireworks require a permit, which costs $5, and fireworks may only be set off on the evening of Oct. 31.
Coquitlam: It is illegal to sell, buy or use firecrackers in Coquitlam. Setting off fireworks is also prohibited unless the user has a permit from the Coquitlam Fire Rescue Department.
Port Coquitlam: The sale of fireworks is banned. They can be set off under certain conditions, including when a permit is obtained for an event.
Delta: It’s illegal to sell, purchase or process fireworks in the city unless you hold a permit from the Delta Fire Department. It takes at least 10 days to process the permit.
Richmond: Fireworks are illegal in Richmond and people aren’t allowed to own, sell or light them without a permit, which requires two weeks' processing time.
Burnaby: The city allows low-hazard fireworks to be set off on private property on Oct. 31 with the consent of the owner of the property. Setting off fireworks on public property may only be done as part of a special event, and requires a permit from the fire chief.
Surrey: The sale and use of fireworks are prohibited in the city, except with a permit from its fire department. Permits are generally held by certified fireworks technicians who have received specialized training and the issuance of such a permit is rare.
New Westminster: Low-hazard fireworks may only be set off on private property on Oct. 31 from 4 p.m. until Nov. 1 at 12:01 a.m. Setting off fireworks on public property requires written permission from the city’s Director of Fire and Rescue Services.
Kamloops: Fireworks won't be allowed this year because of drought conditions.
Chilliwack: Possession and discharge of consumer fireworks and firecrackers is prohibited at all times.
Township of Langley: Permits are required for the sale, possession or transportation of fireworks and applicants need proof of a valid fireworks supervisor's certificate issued by Natural Resources Canada, a business license and a permit fee of $1,500 for sales.
Kelowna: Fireworks are illegal without a permit. Permits can only be obtained by licensed professionals. Residents can be fined up to $500 per occurrence for illegal use.
Prince George: The city charges $23 for a one-time fireworks event and asks a series of questions, including what safety precautions the person will take during use, that they only be used on private property and that an extinguishing agent on hand.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2022.
This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
The Canadian Press
