Permit now required to discharge consumer fireworks during celebratory occasions in Squamish

Free online permit application now available for Halloween fireworks requests

In an effort to balance the inherent ‘fun’ aspect of neighbourhood fireworks while enabling Squamish Fire Rescue to exercise more safety controls when and if required, a permit is now mandatory for members of the public wishing to discharge consumer fireworks within the District of Squamish. Permits will be issued for widely-celebrated events such as Halloween, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and other cultural celebrations, at the discretion of the Fire Chief. The permit is free and can be applied for online via computer or mobile device.

“This is a necessary step to remind the public of the intrinsic dangers of fireworks and extend some control over when and where they are being discharged,” says Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “We are trying to balance the community’s desire for fun with the real dangers that fireworks present.”

The bylaw amendment was adopted at the October 20^th Regular Council meeting. The amendment includes:

• No person may fire or discharge fireworks within the boundaries of the District unless authorized by a permit issued under the bylaw.
• Consumer fireworks will only be permitted for use on October 31, December 31 and on other celebratory dates, as approved by the Fire Chief.
• Consumer fireworks will only be permitted for use on private property.
• Persons applying for a permit must be at least 19 years of age and obtain written consent of the owner of the property upon which the fireworks are being discharged, if not the owner.
• The bylaw does not affect the regulations already in place for larger display fireworks.

“This recent earlier and longer hot, dry summer increased the risk of interface wild land fires and, under the current bylaw, there was very little we could do to restrict the use of consumer fireworks,” says Squamish Fire Chief Bob Fulton. “This bylaw now gives us the opportunity to restrict fireworks entirely in cases where it would be to the benefit of the broader community.”

Permits can be applied for online. The process is free, fast and easy. The permit application will require the applicant to review and agree to a list of safety considerations. A copy of the permit will be emailed to applicants, and must be available for viewing by a member of Squamish Fire Rescue, RCMP or Bylaw Services upon request.

For more information and to view the bylaw, visit www.squamish.ca/fireworks. 

October 21, 2015