North Shore fireworks concerns raised amid drought

The fire chiefs on the North Shore say if drought conditions don’t improve, locals may not be able to get fireworks permits for Halloween.

In a joint statement, the chiefs from the District and City of North Vancouver and the chief in West Vancouver say a lack of rain and warmer than average temperatures have created concerns.

“The fire risk is still high and the fire danger rating is elevated,” the letter reads.

“The forests are extremely dry and can ignite very easily, as we have seen today with West Van Fire and BC Wildfire Service responding to the Eagle Ridge Fire.”

Usually, the departments say the fireworks permit process begins on Oct. 24. It remains to be seen if that will go ahead as planned. Currently, the City of North Vancouver has a ban on fireworks.

In other parts of the Lower Mainland, only Maple Ridge has cancelled it’s Halloween fireworks show so far.

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The warning comes as the region continues to face a drier and warmer than usual start to the fall. In many cases, the weather has been more summer-like to kick off October than what we would normally see.

Meanwhile, on Vancouver Island, the drought has also placed a damper on the Halloween fireworks and bonfire celebrations usually put on by the District of Saanich.

The municipality says the popular event will be delayed until later this year or early next year once the risk of fire is lower, “in order to protect the safety of our trees, properties and residents.”

Central Saanich Fire Chief Kenn Mount says even with rain in the forecast, the fire risk is expected to remain too high for open flames.

Mount says people need to be aware that all fireworks and open burning, including campfires, are banned because of the ongoing drought.

-With files from The Canadian Press