Image: Supplied by Nicecloud, Dreamstime / Leftover fireworks are shown. The City of Abbotsford has posted to Facebook this week threatening fines of up $50,000 for those caught with fireworks.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fireworks

Abbotsford threatens fines of up to $50,000 for possession of fireworks ahead of Halloween; Chilliwack has similar fines

Oct 20, 2022 | 10:25 AM

ABBOTSFORD — In the midst of a months-long drought, and despite the weather forecast calling for rain tomorrow (Oct. 21), the City of Abbotsford isn’t taking any chances with the fire danger that fireworks pose.

The City of Abbotsford took to social media earlier this week with a stern message to rogue fireworks users.

Image: City of Abbotsford Facebook.

“The city’s Fireworks Bylaw prohibits the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks within city borders,” the message on the City of Abbotsford Facebook page read. “Residents caught with fireworks are subject to fines ranging up to $50,000 and their fireworks will be confiscated. The city invites people to celebrate safely and leave the fireworks alone. To report the use or sale of fireworks, contact bylaws team at 604-864-5512 or visit abbotsford.ca/bylaw-service-request.”

The City of Chilliwack has a similar bylaw in place with similar penalties. Its bylaw states persons in possession of fireworks and/or firecrackers may be subject to fines of $50,000 and confiscation of the items.

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“Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this Bylaw commits an offence punishable upon summary conviction and is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000.00 or to imprisonment for not more than six months or to both,” Bylaw No. 5109 states.

Chilliwack city staff disseminated a reminder about fireworks on Twitter Thursday morning with a self-explanatory note.

“Celebrate a safe and spooky Halloween this year,” the City of Chilliwack wrote on its Twitter page. “Remember, the Fireworks Regulation Bylaw does not allow fireworks or firecrackers in the city. Setting off fireworks illegally is dangerous, and the noise can impact people and pets.”