If you set off fireworks without a permit, be ready to reach into your wallet.
That's the warning from the cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody as Halloween nears.
In Coquitlam, businesses are banned from selling fireworks and it's illegal for residents to buy them locally. But if you buy fireworks elsewhere and want to set them off, the municipality has a number of rules for revellers to follow. Go to coquitlam.ca for the list. Anyone caught violating the Coquitlam bylaw will face up to a $1,000 fine.
In Port Coquitlam, the same enforcement applies: no sales but discharge is allowed if a permit is taken out.
Pyrotechnics in PoCo can be set off only on Oct. 31 until 11 p.m. on private property (with the owner's consent) or at a public event with a note from the fire chief. Anyone contravening the regulations will be penalized up to $750. Visit portcoquitlam.ca/fire for more details.
And in Port Moody, retailers can't sell fireworks unless they have a specific business licence (firecrackers are prohibited). Sales are permitted between Oct. 24 and 30 and vendors must clear out their fireworks sales areas before noon on Oct. 31.
The Port Moody police and fire departments as well as the city bylaw and parks offices can fine violators as much as $500 for unlawful discharge.
Municipal regulations don't apply to Kwikwetlem First Nation land, where fireworks have been sold in the past.
According to Coquitlam Fire and Rescue, the risk of fireworks harm is highest for kids aged five to 14, and more than 80% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve legal pyrotechnics.
The PoCo fire department offers the following tips about handling fireworks:
• Teach children that fireworks are not toys and, if they find fireworks, they should tell an adult and avoid touching them.
• Only adults should discharge fireworks.
• Choose a safe area to discharge fireworks: a bare area of ground away from buildings, overhead structures, trees, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.
• Have a large bucket of water, sand or a garden hose ready.
• Make sure spectators watch from a safe distance.
• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings.
• Never hold fireworks in your hand while lighting them.
• Dispose of spent fireworks in a container filled with water.
