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2005 News and Information

New Fireworks Regulations in Effect

05 October  2004

At the October 4 Council meeting, Fire Regulation Bylaw 7801 was adopted by City Council to enhance public safety and property associated with the misuse of fireworks, and reduce the demands on emergency resources.

The Fire Regulation Bylaw, which replaces the Firecracker and Fireworks Regulations, restricts the sale of fireworks, the times allowed to set fireworks and supports steeper fines for individuals acting outside the regulations.

Significant changes to the bylaw include:

  • local retail businesses are now required to acquire a Fireworks Sale Permit application at the No. 1 Fire Hall (6960 Gilbert Rd) between September 1 and October 17 (the sale permit fee of $300 for each application will not take effect until January 1, 2005);

  • a Fireworks Sale Permit authorizes the holder to sell low hazard fireworks between October 25 and October 30 inclusive;

  • anyone found selling fireworks without a sale permit or selling outside the permitted dates may be fined $1000;

  • low hazard fireworks can only be set off on private property on October 31, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. (with the property owner’s consent);

  • igniting low hazard fireworks outside the permitted date and times without a display permit may be fined $250; and

  • selling fireworks to a person under the age of 18 may be fined $1000.

The City of Richmond will be actively enforcing the bylaw before and during the Halloween period to ensure awareness and compliance for public safety. “Last year, the RCMP responded to 53 calls on Halloween, and our Fire-Rescue staff responded to 43,” says Jim Hancock, Richmond Fire Chief. “That’s too many. It is our goal to reduce the number of emergency calls, and increase the level of personal and property safety by enacting these regulations.”

To obtain a Fireworks Sale Permit application, please visit the No. 1 Fire Hall, 6960 Gilbert Road between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. For information regarding Fire Regulation Bylaw 7802, call the Bylaw Enforcement Department at 604-276-4345.