Vancouver Fire issues Halloween fireworks, safety reminders

As people get their costumes ready and fill bowls with candy for trick-or-treaters, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is reminding people fireworks are illegal in the city on Halloween.

This marks the third year of the prohibition in the city.

VFRS Public Information Officer Matthew Trudeau says the ban was in response to an “alarming number” of properties being damaged, fires, and injuries from fireworks.

“Since the fireworks ban and not being legal to purchase, sell, or discharge fireworks, the number of fires has steadily decreased, substantially,” he told CityNews.

“We’re seeing less property damage and less injuries by a significant margin in the last three years.”

Trudeau notes that while the majority of Vancouverites understand the risks and dangers, and are complying with the bylaw, VFRS still receives reports of “pops and bangs” related to the prohibited combustibles.

VFRS is also reminding people to ensure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their home and outside sleeping areas. You’re asked to have an escape plan in the case of a fire and to use battery lights instead of candles when possible.

Trudeau says the fire department is still going to house fires where residents don’t have working smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms save lives,” he said.

For outdoor safety, VFRS is urging drivers to be extra cautious of pedestrians and others who may be out this Halloween. Given shorter daylight time and the potential for rain, visibility may be more limited in the night and later hours of the day.

Firefighters are recommending pedestrians carry “flashlights for extra visibility,” and Trudeau also suggests folks have reflective stripes, or some kind of reflective material, in their costumes or jackets.

Meanwhile, Trudeau says fire prevention inspectors and firefighters will be driving around the city Tuesday evening, and will have the ability to confiscate and ticket folks who are setting off fireworks.

“If you do see fireworks, [you’re] welcome to call 311, if something is not on fire, and 311 will get the information quickly to our inspectors,” he said.

“We can understand the appeal — fireworks have been enormous in Vancouver for years prior to this, but it really comes down to the life, safety, and critical risks to the individuals every year.

“Every year, we do have a handful of injuries where people have blown their fingers off. We had a previous year someone lost their eye. We’ve had fireworks being shot into houses, lighting houses on fire. No one intends for that to happen, but sometimes it’s just an unfortunate consequence of … explosives,” Trudeau added.