2 hours ago
Swift News
As Halloween and Diwali approach, authorities in Surrey remind residents that the sale and use of fireworks are prohibited throughout the city without proper certification and permits.
"The possession of fireworks by individuals under the age of 18 is prohibited," says a notice posted Oct. 6 on surrey.ca. "Unauthorized fireworks can lead to injuries, fires and distress for vulnerable residents and animals."
Violators face "significant penalties" ranging from $400 to $50,000 in fines, which were hiked in 2024.
October is a popular month for fireworks in Surrey, where some nights sound like the city is in a war zone.
Surrey's Fireworks Bylaw prohibits the discharge of fireworks without federal certification and a valid permit from Surrey Fire Service.
"Each day an offence occurs is considered a separate violation," the city warns. "Police and bylaw enforcement officers are authorized to issue fines."
Enforcement plans are in place, the city says. Leading up to and on Diwali day (Oct. 20) and Halloween (Oct. 31), "bylaw officers will be deployed in high-activity areas across Surrey, working in collaboration with police," the notice explains. "Officers will respond to reports, gather evidence, issue tickets and engage police as needed. Last year, this strategy led to 1150-plus site visits and 130-plus tickets issued."
People who witness fireworks being discharged illegally can call Surrey Bylaws at 604-591-4370. "Your reports help identify hot spots and support enforcement efforts," the city says.
"Surrey is proud of its diverse community and encourages safe, respectful celebrations. Let’s work together to protect our neighbourhoods and ensure everyone enjoys a safe Halloween and Diwali."
In October 2024 Surrey council voted to "enhance" enforcement of its fireworks rules in anticipation of the seasonal barrage by substantially increasing fines. A minimum fine under the Fireworks Bylaw was increased from $100 to $400 and the maximum was increased from $5,000 to $50,000.
At the time, then-fire chief Larry Thomas told council that every year Surrey firefighters respond to between 12 and 20 fireworks-related incidents with about 75 per cent occurring in the last half of October and first two weeks of November. In 2023 the City of Surrey recorded roughly 500 "interactions" and site visits resulting from fireworks complaints, issuing some 150 tickets.
"I guess nothing lights up our emails more than fireworks season," Coun. Doug Elford remarked. "These things are very powerful, very loud."
