Explosive guide: Fireworks rules in and around Metro Vancouver

With Halloween and Diwali celebrations taking place over the course of the next week, fireworks will be top of mind for many in and around Metro Vancouver.

Fireworks are illegal in most Metro Vancouver cities, and bylaw violators can be fined. However, there are some exceptions around Halloween.

Some of the changes to the bylaws for fireworks are new, so if you’re worried about getting in trouble, here are the areas where fireworks are illegal and where the rules are a bit more relaxed.

Fireworks rules in and around Metro Vancouver

There are several big cities that made changes to fireworks rules over the past several years.

In these Metro Vancouver cities, folks need permits, and only for professional displays, not for family events or leisure purposes.

Vancouver

The sale and use of any consumer fireworks are prohibited in Vancouver, except for specific events, and only when discharged by a professional.

“While fireworks may continue at community events such as Lunar New Year, Diwali, Celebration of Lights, and Canada Day, they may only be discharged by a certified firework technician,” the City of Vancouver says.

West Vancouver

Fireworks have been banned in West Vancouver since 2023.

“A person must not purchase, possess, set off or discharge Fireworks unless the person is a Fireworks Display Supervisor and is in possession of a Display Event Permit in respect of such discharge,” West Vancouver’s bylaw states.

Violation of West Vancouver’s bylaw could lead to fines of up to $500.

District of North Vancouver

In the District of North Vancouver, the sale and use of fireworks is strictly regulated.

To purchase, possess or set off fireworks, you need a permit.

The District of North Vancouver says:

• Fireworks must be purchased between Oct. 25 to Oct. 31

• Fireworks may only be discharged on Oct. 31 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

A permit for fireworks only costs $10.

City of North Vancouver

The City of North Vancouver’s rules are a little more strict than the District.

“The City bans the sale, purchase, possession, or discharge of fireworks of any kind unless it’s a public display by someone who has been certified as a Fireworks Supervisor, with a permit issued by the Fire Chief. See Fireworks Regulation Bylaw 7677 for details. Anyone in violation of the ban could face a fine up to $500, or up to $10,000 if convicted,” the City of North Vancouver states.

Surrey

Surrey’s fireworks rules revolve around permits.

“The City of Surrey allows firework/pyrotechnics displays only if you have applied for and been granted the appropriate permit by Surrey Fire Services’ Fire Prevention Branch,” the City of Surrey says.

Surrey has various guidelines fore fireworks that you can read on its website.

Richmond

Richmond operates similarly to Vancouver.

Richmond Fire Rescue says, “Fireworks are illegal in Richmond. You cannot own, sell or light them without a permit.”

Burnaby

The City of Burnaby makes some exceptions for residents, specifically on Halloween.

In general, Burnaby says that the use of fireworks is “tightly controlled.”

“Low-hazard fireworks on private property may only be set off on Oct. 31, with the consent of the owner of the property,” the City adds. All operators must be at least 18.

The sale of fireworks is also illegal in Burnaby.

Coquitlam

Much like the other Metro Vancouver cities we’ve mentioned, it is illegal to buy or sell fireworks in Coquitlam.

“Setting off fireworks is also prohibited unless the user has a permit from the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue Department. Fireworks are generally used in large public displays by trained individuals,” the City of Coquitlam says.

New Westminster

New Westminster’s rules are also fairly relaxed during Halloween compared to places like Vancouver.

“No person shall, at any time, offer for sale or sell low-hazard fireworks anywhere within the city,” New West says. However, there are exceptions on Halloween.

“Low hazard fireworks may only be possessed between 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 28 and ending at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 1. These Fireworks may only be set off within this time period commencing at 4:00 pm on Oct. 31 and ending at 12:01 am on Nov. 1.”

New West also requires users to be 18 or older.

Township of Langley

The Township of Langley requires both sellers and users to apply for permits.

Sellers must pay a $1,500 permit fee while users need to pay $115.

The Township has other requirements that both users and sellers need to follow that you can read about on the website.

Abbotsford

Over the weekend, Abbotsford Police Department said it responded to several fireworks calls, reminding folks that fireworks are illegal.

“Throughout the night, numerous calls related to fireworks were received across the city in anticipation of Diwali and Halloween. Just a reminder that fireworks are illegal in the City of Abbotsford,” the City said on X.