Despite not being a big fan of fireworks itself, the head of Kamloops Fire Rescue is keeping the door open to the idea of Canada Day fireworks this year.

KFR Chief Ken Uzeloc says if groups want to start applying now for permits to put on Canada Day fireworks, they’re welcome to it, and will likely have their permits granted — at this point.

However, he suggests only professionally-staged pyrotechnics are likely to gain approvals.

“I’m not against those larger event-type ones that are permitted, where the fireworks are brought in, and the event is managed by those licensed and trained professional shooters,” said Uzeloc.  “They are very well trained in their job. So if the conditions aren’t there, even if we are allowing them through the process to occur, and the wind picks up, they’re educated enough to know it’s not safe to shoot — and they won’t shoot.”

But Uzeloc does note that any approvals for fireworks on Canada Day could be rescinded by KFR, depending on the fire danger.

“That permit can be pulled at any time,” noted Uzeloc.  “We would work to give as much notice as possible to anybody that has a permit to do that.”

No word yet if the City of Kamloops — which traditionally puts on a fireworks display on Canada Day — plans to chance it this year, given that last year’s plans were scuttled due to dry conditions.

Meanwhile, Uzeloc suggests he would likely support any revived attempt to have the sale of fireworks banned in Kamloops.

“I am not in favor of consumer firework sale and use,” said Uzeloc.  “I just think it’s too risky.  Every year there’s documented cases of fires, injuries.  As a safety professional, it just doesn’t make sense to me.”

The previous Chief of Kamloops Fire Rescue had backed a bid in late 2021 to have the sale of consumer fireworks in Kamloops restricted within city limits.

While that idea did get before the City’s Community Services Committee, the idea of a ban on the sale of fireworks never made it to the previous city council.

The current rules allow the sale and use fireworks for two weeks a year, between October 24th and November 1st, and again between December 25th and January 1st.

However, Kamloops Fire Rescue maintains the ability to ban the use of fireworks during those periods, as it did during last year’s Hallowe’en celebrations.