New Fireworks Regulations in Effect
March 30, 2005
City Council approved new fireworks regulations that prohibit the sale, purchase, possession and discharge of all fireworks by unqualified persons to enhance the safety of the public.
In 2002, the City enacted the Halloween Operations Team to coordinate the activities of emergency services to address the large number of complaints received on Halloween night. The team, which includes members from the Richmond RCMP, Fire-Rescue, the BC Ambulance Service, Community Bylaws, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, and the School District, evaluated the number and magnitude of incidents in 2004, and supported recommendations to restrict fireworks accessibility and use to those who are qualified.
During Halloween last year, the R.C.M.P responded to 220 calls and Richmond Fire-Rescue responded to 65 incidents involving fireworks. The School Board reported arson fires at various schools resulting in the loss of two portable classrooms and one permanent classroom. Fireworks also caused damage to various motor vehicles, hedges and trees throughout the City. Despite the integrated efforts to provide safety to the community during Halloween, too many incidents of illegal fireworks continue to be the main cause of serious fire-related personal and property incidents.
“Halloween should be a time of great fun. Unfortunately, too often it has become a dangerous time with too many instances of personal injury and property damage from fireworks,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “These restrictions will enhance public safety and reduce the strain on our emergency services staff during Halloween. I hope that other cities in the province will follow our lead so that we ensure Halloween is fun for all. Everyone will be invited to the expanded fireworks displays in our City.”
Fireworks Regulation Bylaw 7917, which replaces the existing bylaw, outlines that persons must not purchase, sell, display for the purpose of sale, offer for sale, give, dispose of or distribute fireworks to any person, unless a permit has been issued by the Fire Chief. To obtain a permit, which costs $100, the applicant must be over the age of 18, provide proof of liability insurance and proof of fireworks supervisor or pyrotechnician certification, along with other applicable documentation.
“These changes provide greater opportunities for larger displays of fireworks by qualified personnel in a more controlled and safe manner,” says Deputy Fire Chief Geoff Lake. “We believe that adding more professional displays throughout the City would alleviate public concerns about safety and property damage, and also reduce the demands on the Fire-Rescue service.”
For public safety information, visit http://www.richmond.ca/safety/overview.htm.
