Submitted. The use of fireworks and firecrackers are not only dangerous, they are still illegal in the City of Abbotsford announced Abbotsford Fire Rescue
Service today.
While fireworks have been advertised for sale in communities bordering the city, their use in Abbotsford is against City bylaws and will be strictly enforced.
The Abbotsford Fireworks Bylaw prohibits the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks within the City’s borders. This bylaw was introduced in 2005 in order to reduce the number of injuries and fires caused by their use. The bylaw is enforced by Fire Rescue Service members as well as by Abbotsford Police and Bylaw Enforcement Officers. Residents caught with fireworks could be subject to fines ranging from $200 – $1000.
Fires caused by illegal use of fireworks have been reduced since the bylaw was introduced, but they are still a major concern. Only licenced and trained pyrotechnicians can apply for a permit to hold a fireworks show – and these are only approved under very strict conditions. This year, several permits for Diwali and Halloween have been issued and local citizens who wish to watch fireworks are encouraged to attend.
For more information about fireworks and the Abbotsford Fireworks Bylaw, visit www.abbotsford.ca/fire or call Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service at 604-853-3566.