Fireworks Reminders
Calgary has seen an incredible increase in fireworks related incidents.
Here are the recent stats between Monday October 20 - Wednesday October 22 as an example of the growing concern:
Calgary Polic Services (CPS) - 167 calls related to fireworks complaints
Emergency Management and Community Safety (EMCS) - 29 responses to 311 calls, 60lbs of fireworks surrendered or abandoned, 1 ticket for discharging a firework and 32 verbal warnings
Calgary Fire Department (CFD) - Responded to 2 residential fires related to firework usage
The City of Calgary's safety partners remind everyone that fireworks and pyrotechnics cannot be ignited or fired in Calgary except by a trained and certified professional with a fireworks permit. This includes consumer fireworks that have been purchased or ordered outside Calgary.
Use of fireworks, pyrotechnics or blasting without a permit is in violation of the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition) and City of Calgary bylaws and may result in fines or prosecution
If you violate the fireworks bylaw, you may face penalties. These include fines based on the nature of the infraction:
o Possession of fireworks without a permit: Minimum fine of $500.
o Use of fireworks without a permit: Minimum fine of $250.
o Sale of fireworks without a permit: Minimum fine of $250.
o These fines are designed to protect our city from fire hazards and ensure that fireworks displays are conducted responsibly by trained professionals.
o The City encourages anyone who observes fireworks going off to report their concerns to 311 and include details on neighbourhood/location.
Over the next several nights, Calgarians will see joint proactive education and enforcement teams in the community to help remind the public and enforce appropriate bylaws.
As you gather attending cultural events, lighting diyas or LED candles, creating rangoli and sharing food and gifts with loved ones, we ask that you do so in a meaningful way that is safe for everyone.
For more information, visit Calgary.ca/fireworks.
