If council approves that ban on the retail sale of consumer fireworks, it would take effect in 2021

Vancouver City Council will be voting on banning fireworks on Tuesday

After Halloween fireworks caused $360,000 in damage and two injuries, Vancouver fire is supporting a fireworks ban

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A proposed fireworks ban in Vancouver is getting support from Vancouver’s fire department after 20 fireworks-related calls Halloween night, and quite a lot of damage.

All told, fireworks caused around $360,000 worth of damage on Halloween, most of it to one property where someone conducting a backyard light show accidentally set their roof on fire, causing $250,000 in damage. Two young people were also hurt that night.

Vancouver's proposed #Fireworks ban is getting support from @VanFireRescue. This after a busier than normal #Halloween19 for crews: 20 fires linked to fireworks, resulting in ~$360,000 in damages. Two young people also wound up hurt. City council will vote on the ban tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/T9KqC8bbou — Kurtis Doering (@KDnewsguy) November 4, 2019

The City of Vancouver is expected to vote on a fireworks ban Tuesday. While he says it’s a hard call to make, it’s something Vancouver Assistant Fire Chief Ray Bryant says he would support.

“It’s unfortunate for the Canadian National Fireworks Association, because they are doing a good job to keep on top of the safe use of fireworks, but what I’m seeing in the community is that is not happening. So the fire department would support a ban at this time,” he says.

In terms of fireworks this Halloween, he says it was a particularly busy year.

The department also gave out five municipal tickets for $500 to vendors, and some fireworks were confiscated.

On Halloween, fires were ignited by fireworks catching on dry leaves or hedges, trees and garbage cans. Some fireworks were launched from school fields.

If Vancouver City Council approves the ban on the retail sale of consumer fireworks, it would take effect in 2021.