In a move which comes as little surprise, Kamloops Fire Rescue has announced that it is officially banning the use of fireworks in the city on New Year’s Eve.

In an online statement, KFR says its due to the lack of precipitation the city has been getting to this point.

“Residents are reminded that due to the lack of December precipitation, firework permits are not being granted,” said Kamloops Fire Rescue in a notification on X.  “Help keep our community safe and avoid a fine by celebrating New Year’s Eve without fireworks this weekend.”

No one wants to start the new year off with a disaster. Please do not use any fireworks this weekend! https://t.co/aZCAgdtoX8

— Ken Uzeloc (he/him) (@ChiefKenKFR) December 29, 2023

In previous statements to RadioNL, Kamloops Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc warned that people could be fined thousands of dollars if the fireworks they set off result in a fire.

“It goes beyond that because quite frankly, if you have now done something that is illegal and not allowed, there is also a method we could look at, where you could be responsible for the costs of the whole response that is needed to deal with anything that might happen,” Uzeloc said.

This follows a similar move by KFR to ban the use of fireworks over Halloween.

It comes as drought conditions continue persist here in Kamloops and throughout many other parts of the province.