The District of 100 Mile House has introduced a new fireworks bylaw.
Council chose to introduce the new bylaw following the recent realization that some local businesses were operating in violation of the B.C. Fireworks Act. The act largely prohibits the sale or use of fireworks outside of Oct. 24 to Nov. 1 each year. Unless another local bylaw is in place, any fireworks sales outside of this brief window are considered illegal. Mayor Maureen Pinkney said council wished to clarify what is and isn’t allowed within the district.
“Our own firework act allows for (fireworks to be used) all the other fun times of the year like July 1 and Halloween but also New Years,” Pinkney said. “It just gives everyone another time when they can let off these fireworks. Restricting it to just Halloween is pretty limited.”
Pinkney said the B.C. Fireworks Act was originally introduced in 1996 to prevent forest fires. Despite its age, she said she believes many people are still unaware of what it says, which is why you can find fireworks for sale out of season in some Cariboo businesses. This issue was raised at a recent joint meeting with Cariboo Regional District after they also realized they had no bylaws in place to regulate fireworks.
With the bylaw now passed, Pinkney said individuals will be able to buy and use fireworks on these additional dates. She asks that those that do inform their neighbours before setting them off and use common sense, especially during times of high wildfire risk.
“Most of our yards are larger with trees and it only takes one spark. With our dry conditions these last few years, that is definitely a front-of-mind thought,” Pinkney said. “Fireworks don’t always go off how you think they will.”
Under the B.C. Fireworks Act groups looking to put on a fireworks display can still do so throughout the year, providing they have permission from the fire commissioner or one of their assistants. Pinkney encourages anyone with questions on the new bylaw to reach out to the district at 250-395-2434.
