“The decision has been made that we are not permitting consumer sale and use of fireworks at this time,” says Kamloops Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Ryan Cail.
Cail says injuries, deaths, fires, complications and other complaints from the public have all played a part in the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs to take a hard look at risk versus reward when it comes to fireworks.
“Stats calculated between 2011 and 2013 show 210 reported cases of injuries of fireworks and other similar products. So, we’re in the business of keeping people safe, and we don’t want to have accidental fires or injuries.
“We’re not here to try and put a hamper on the enjoyment of festivities. Halloween has always been a popular evening. We do encourage other ways to enjoy it in a safe manner. It’s not exactly the most popular decision, but there’s been really strong support from a lot of the members of the public, as well as people’s pets.”
“If folks are professional shooters and they can come in and get provide their license, then then we will issue permits for the use of fireworks,” says Cail. “So that individual has to come in with a license, and fire prevention will issue a permit at that time. It wouldn’t take a lot of work to get it done, but there is a process.”
Things like extreme fire conditions or windy conditions could still play an impact into whether it will be approved or not.
Under Fire Prevention Bylaw No. 10-37, fireworks and pyrotechnical devices cannot be used without an appropriate permit.
Residents may incur a $250 fine for using, possessing, storing, or selling illegal fireworks without a valid notice of authorization from Kamloops Fire Rescue. “The direction from the senior leadership team is that, CSOs, RCMP, if they’re called to complaints of fireworks being discharged in neighborhoods, we will be responding accordingly, and we will be fines following our municipal ticket by law.”
Cail says if you were to cause a secondary problem such as property damage or a fire, the consequences will be beyond a simple fine.
If you want to report fireworks in your area, Cail says 911 is the best course of action. “You’ll get the appropriate authorities responding. Of course, they can call the dispatch on emergency line as well the RCMP complaint lines. Any of the above are appropriate channels for reporting.”
