City-wide fireworks ban in effect
The sale of fireworks is banned in the City of Chilliwack, but sometimes fireworks are sold on adjacent First Nations land where city bylaws don't apply, like this setup on the Tzeachten Reserve.
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Updated: October 22, 2009 4:11 PM
It's almost a week before Halloween and the mischief has begun.
It may be understandable if some people are a little confused, but fireworks are completely banned within the borders of Chilliwack.
"It is illegal for any person to sell or set off fireworks and firecrackers in the City of Chilliwack," says Assistant Fire Chief Ian Josephson in a stern seasonal reminder about bylaw infractions falling under the Fireworks Regulation Bylaw of 2006.
Sometimes fireworks are sold on adjacent First Nations land where city bylaws don't apply.
"We've talked to First Nations to try to persuade them that these sales are not in the best interests of the community," says Mayor Sharon Gaetz. "It's about public safety and fire prevention."
Chiefs and councils on several area reserves have adopted band council resolutions to ban the sale, but others persist in allowing the sale of fireworks.
On city land, offences like the sale of these products comes with a whopping fine of $1,000.
Anyone setting off or otherwise allowing fireworks or fireworks to explode could face a stiff $500 fine.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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