Vancouver Ban on Consumer Fireworks Begins After Halloween

Consumer fireworks used by Vancouver residents to celebrate various holidays will be a thing of the past under a ban that is set to go into effect after Halloween.

Officials say that consumer fireworks lead to property damage and injuries. Going forward, fireworks can still be used to celebrate; however, according to the City of Vancouver’s website, a trained fireworks technician will have to be the one to set them off.

“While fireworks will continue at community events such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, Celebration of Lights, and Canada Day, they may only be discharged by a Certified Firework Technicians who holds both a Federal Fireworks Operator Certificate and a Municipal Fire Permit from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services,” states the City’s announcement about the Halloween fireworks restrictions.

Some Residents Welcome the Ban

Though not all welcome the ban, some Vancouver residents say it is long past due. Two residents, brother and sister Bruce and Patricia Mitchell reportedly suffered severe property damage after a Roman Candle was set off near the home on Halloween of 2015.

According to CBC News, people were setting off firecrackers and Roman Candles outside of the 105-year-old home that Halloween. The fireworks set off were reportedly illegal – purchased and lit without the proper permit.

At the time, CBC News reported that the blaze required 12 trucks and 40 firefighters to put out. The homeowners escaped, but virtually all of their possessions, along with their home, were destroyed.

The pair tried to rebuild their home, but was forced into a legal battle with their insurers. Ultimately, they reportedly had to sell the lot and home.

“It’s been a nightmare, it’s just been a nightmare,” the sister told CBC News. “I’m happy the law has changed,” she continued, commenting on the new ban on consumer fireworks.

City Says Halloween Fireworks Spreads Crews Thin

City officials, including the fire department, say that the current regulatory system is ineffective and expensive.

Currently, vendors and residents must apply for permits to sell and set off fireworks, with fines for violations between $500 and $1,000. According to a city report, the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) spent $20,000 in a single week simply trying to enforce the current permit system meant to control consumer fireworks. In addition, an average of five tickets are issued to vendors each year, amounting to only a total of $5,000 in fines.

“We just can’t move forward having a system that year after year does result in injuries and a significant amount of property damage,” a public information officer for the City Fire Department told reporters.

Indeed, VFRS reportedly fought four major blazes last Halloween, along with dealing with noise complaints caused by people setting off fireworks during the night.

“There were kids playing with the fireworks in the parks and lighting garbage cans,” Vancouver Battalion Chief Dave Rosenlund told CBC News reporters at the time, noting that other small fires had occurred across the city.

“It’s … been quite a toll on all the crews tonight,” he continued. “While we’re working, everything’s good … we’ll see the toll it takes in the morning.”

Halloween Fireworks Still Permitted This Year with Add’l Restrictions

While this is the last year that consumer fireworks will be permitted in the City of Vancouver for Halloween, the city council voted to enact other measures meant to limit the use of fireworks.

Fines for failure to adhere to regulations were increased from $500 to $1,000, for one. In addition, residents must be 19 or older to apply for a fireworks permit, as well as to purchase or set off fireworks.

Further, the City voted to restrict hours in which fireworks can be sold. This year, vendors must limit sale hours to start Oct. 25 and to end by 6 pm on Oct. 31.

“Experience has shown that vendors try to sell as much [fireworks] as possible before midnight. Permit holders, if they have not set off all their fireworks in their possession before midnight would then be in violation of the Fire By-law,” points out the Vancouver City Council’s report on the consumer fireworks ban. “The proposed earlier closing time of business at 6 pm would ensure that consumers have sufficient time to handle and set up their fireworks properly and safely. In addition, fireworks may only be set off on Oct. 31 this year and must be limited to private property with the owner’s written permission.”

The City says that permit holders should be sure to have a copy of their permit handy when lighting their fireworks, as well as when they purchase them.

What do you think of the plan to ban consumer fireworks in Vancouver? We want to hear from you! Use the comment section below.

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