VANCOUVER Fire Rescue Services said on Friday that to address a growing fire safety risk to people and property, a bylaw change took effect in 2021 to ban the selling, buying and discharging of fireworks in Vancouver. Since that change, the number of total fires, property damage and injuries related to fireworks continues to decrease.

This year and last year, there were 43 fires in the city and seven of those were related to fireworks, with damages of $225,000 last year and $3,000 this year. In comparison, prior to the fireworks ban, 2019 and 2020 saw 58 fires on Halloween with 25 directly related to fireworks and property loss of $1.3 million.

The VFRS said that on Thursday night 21 fires were reported in Vancouver, including three related to fireworks. One person suffered serious injuries related to the malicious discharge of a firework in close proximity to them.
Fire Prevention Inspectors received 100 reports to 3-1-1 of fireworks being lit around the city. They responded to 50 areas of concern and actively intervened or dispersed people seen in the area.

While there have been year-over-year decreases in firework related events, there is still more work to be done to educate the public about risks to people and property, as well as enforce the bylaws that are in place, said Matthew Trudeau, Captain of Public Information, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services.

He noted that fireworks are explosive and are incredibly dangerous when not operated by a professional using an approved permit. If fireworks are seen or heard, call 3-1-1 or report it via the Van311 app.