Sooke district council is exploring ways of clarifying rules for fireworks permits and community events following a series of complaints last year.
Council is asking municipal staff to amend the fireworks regulation bylaw following a report from Fire Chief Ted Ruiter.
Fireworks are allowed only on Halloween (Oct. 31) between 5 and 10 p.m. Ten permits were issued by the district in 2021.
B次元官网网址淧eople either donB次元官网网址檛 know the requirements for a permit or theyB次元官网网址檙e just not interested in taking one out,B次元官网网址� Ruiter told council recently.
Permits are $10 each, while the fine for possessing fireworks is $200.
RELATED:
According to a staff report, fireworks complaints ranged from noise, injured livestock, stress on family pets, as well as safety.
Councillors Tony St-Pierre and Ebony Logins questioned whether there was any reason to believe that stricter permitting would reduce illegal fireworks activity, with Logins and Coun. Jeff Bateman adding education is key to public awareness.
B次元官网网址淧ublic education is one of the most important pieces of this issue. The amendment just makes the bylaw clearer,B次元官网网址� Logins said.
Ruiter said there are concerns about property damage and the real threat of fire, especially with climate change.
Because of the ongoing threat of wildfires, the district has taken advantage of grant funding and implemented a FireSmart program. Sooke spends money on emergency management in order to be ready for major events.
B次元官网网址淎llowing consumers to launch fireworks from their own property poses risks and can tie up numerous resources from a fire department response point of view,B次元官网网址� Ruiter said. B次元官网网址淓xtreme weather events are becoming more prominent and only contribute to ever-increasing fire-related risks.B次元官网网址�
Coun. Al Beddows said he only objected to more stringent controls on fireworks for community events, especially when an organization is planning a special celebration.
B次元官网网址淚f theyB次元官网网址檙e on a large property, I donB次元官网网址檛 see why we would restrict them,B次元官网网址� he said.
The fireworks regulation bylaw amendment will be presented to council this summer.
B次元官网网址�
editor@sookenewsmirror.com
Like us on and follow us on
