Police in Port Moody, British Columbia, have issued a cautionary statement following an incident where a 12-year-old boy was struck in the face by a firework on Friday. The boy was promptly taken to the hospital, and fortunately, his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Authorities were alerted to a group of young individuals setting off fireworks near the Port Moody Recreation Complex around 8:20 p.m. PT. Upon arrival, officers discovered the injured boy at the scene while his fleeing friends were located nearby.
After investigation, the police determined the incident to be accidental. However, the youth responsible for igniting the firework was fined $500. Sergeant Sam Zacharias emphasized the importance of adhering to the city’s bylaws, which strictly prohibit the use of fireworks without a permit from the Port Moody Fire Rescue.
With Halloween approaching, law enforcement and firefighters in the Metro Vancouver area anticipate an uptick in emergency calls related to fireworks. In recent years, most municipalities in the Lower Mainland have enforced bans on the sale and use of consumer fireworks, permitting only controlled, professional displays with specialized licenses.
While some areas still permit limited use of consumer fireworks on Halloween, specific guidelines and restrictions apply. For instance, in the District of North Vancouver, fireworks can be discharged on October 31 between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., provided users are over 19 years old, hold a permit, and ignite them on private property with the owner’s consent.
Similarly, in the City of Burnaby, adults can utilize low-hazard fireworks on private property with the owner’s approval on Halloween night. In New Westminster, adults are allowed to use fireworks on private property between 4 p.m. and midnight on October 31, excluding Roman candles.
In Port Coquitlam, adults can use fireworks until 11 p.m. on Halloween on private property, subject to obtaining a permit from the city. However, Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and screechers are prohibited.
The City of Coquitlam permits limited fireworks usage for Halloween and Diwali celebrations, requiring users to be over 19 years old and secure a permit at least 72 hours in advance. Nevertheless, stringent clearance requirements may limit the issuance of permits for most residential lots, according to the city’s guidelines.
