The City of Kamloops is looking at possibly restricting the sale of and use of fireworks within municipal limits.

In a report to the Community Services Committee, Fire Chief Steve Robinson said the City has one of the most liberal fireworks bylaws in the province.

It currently allows the sale and use fireworks for two weeks in a year, between Oct. 24 and Nov. 1 and again between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

“There is no need for the discharge of fireworks before Oct. 31 or Dec. 31 evenings as there are no traditions for the use of fireworks on those dates,” Robinson wrote. “While fireworks can be an amazing display of light in the sky, they can also be extremely dangerous when not used appropriately.”

“Fireworks are also not universally appreciated by everyone, including animals.”

Reached by NL News for comment, Robinson deferred until after his review of the current bylaw returns to committee members for discussion. In his report though, he did say that the current Kamloops bylaw is “outdated” and does not reflect the modern view of fireworks displays.

“The range of sale and use for fireworks is currently very broad and offers minimal safety requirements the user of the fireworks,” he wrote. “The improper use and storage of fireworks can result in injury and damage to persons and property.”

“Restricting the sale and use of fireworks to a permit system where only qualified applicants can purchase a permit will aid in restricting the use to ensure that the
safety of the user and bystanders is accounted for.”

Speaking to NL News, Councillor Dale Bass, who chairs the Community Services Committee, says the use of fireworks within Kamloops City limits has led to some concerns.

“I’ve had a lot of people contact me post New Year’s, post Halloween saying ‘please stop the fireworks. It set my roof on fire.’ In another case or two or three or many, it made my dogs terrified or my horse ran off,” she said.

“So I think it is an issue that affects a lot of people, more than we anticipated.”

Bass says it is possible that Kamloops goes the way of places like Vancouver, Surrey, and Kelowna, where the sale of fireworks is currently banned.

“I don’t get fireworks to begin with but I’m going to wait and see what the Chief comes back with,” she said. “It is the safety that concerns me most of all.”

“We will get some firm statistics on how often it causes fires or people to be burned. I really want to get that information back to committee before we can actually have a good conversation on it.”

While Robinson told NL News he is not sure when the issue will return to the committee, Bass said she is hoping to see something in place this year.

“Whether that’s practical is a whole another matter,” she said.