Fireworks and Your Furbaby

For decades fireworks and firecrackers on Hallowe’en was an annual tradition in BC. My childhood memories of Hallowe’en always ended with neighbours gathering and fireworks on the streets. But also with firecracker explosions could be heard for days leading up to October 31st, and days afterwards.

My children’s childhood memories also include chasing displays around the neighbourhoods after trick or treating was done. If you grew up in BC, fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers form the fabric of Halloween but this is actually a uniquely B.C. thing loosely connected to the celebration of Guy Fawkes Night by British expats in early Vancouver.

In 2021, fireworks and firecrackers are banned in most Lower Mainland municipalities. This doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be explosions and bangs in your neighbourhood however as fireworks can still be purchased outside city limits.

If you have a dog it's very likely your dog will become frightened an anxious on Hallowe’en night. In fact many dogs run away on Hallowe’en so before the 31st comes around, be sure your furbabies are wearing their collar and have good ID tags attached.

Fireworks are loud and unpredictable, which most dogs perceive as a threat. But there are some things you can do to help your furry friend endure.

Keep him inside, and create a safe place if you can. Our dogs will hide out in my den-office at the bottom of our stairs in the basement. However if your dog has a crate, that might be where they feel most secure. If you can, play some music or white noise to help drown out the startling crack and boom. And of course bring his bed and toys into the room.

If your furry family member is a cat, these tips from VetsNow are good advice:

Don’t confine your cat to one room. Leave the door open
Keep your cats indoors
Close the curtains to avoid flashes
Make sure they have access to their ‘safe place’ (our Luna hides under our bed) and try to avoid checking on them repeatedly
Act normal - cats are smart and can pick up on your worry

Fireworks are banned in Vancouver but -

We searched through local municipal bylaws for fireworks status and this is some of what we found. If you’re not sure about your own town, google Fireworks in MyTown and you’ll find a quick reply.

In Squamish, where I raised my family, fireworks are still permitted for special celebratory holidays such as Hallowe’en (Diwali and New Year's Eve). A permit application opens about 5-7 days before the holiday so persons wanting to have a display for Hallowe’en would need to apply this week with a deadline of 2:00 pm October 31st.

As of November 1, 2020, the sale and the use of fireworks by the general public is no longer permitted in Vancouver. They may only be discharged by a Certified Firework Technicians. This will hopefully result in fewer unexpected explosions in your neighbourhood.

Fireworks are allowed in Surrey, but only for persons over 18 and only with a permit from the Fire Chief. This could mean various family or neighbourhood fireworks events may occur on Halloween.

It is illegal to buy or sell fireworks in Coquitlam and setting off fireworks is also prohibited without a permit.

In Burnaby no person shall use, detonate, explode, offer for sale, sell, or possess firecrackers or fireworks. And no person shall use, detonate, or discharge fireworks.

No person shall possess, fire, set off or discharge firecrackers in North Vancouver but apparently you can get a permit to set off fireworks.

No person may offer for sale, sell, give or trade firecrackers or other fireworks of every nature or kind in the District of Maple Ridge. No person may throw, propel, eject, light, fire, explode, set off, discharge or possess firecrackers or other fireworks of every nature or kind in the District of Maple Ridge unless that person holds a valid permit as issued under this bylaw.

Mission Fire Rescue Service reminds everyone that under Bylaw 1706-1987 the sale or use of firecrackers and other fireworks of every nature or kind is prohibited within the City of Mission.

The use of consumer fireworks and firecrackers is illegal within the City of Chilliwack. Please be aware that although consumer fireworks may be available for sale nearby, they cannot be used within City of Chilliwack limits.

In Langley a permit must be obtained from the Fire Department to sell, give or trade, possess, and/or discharge fireworks.

The sale and use of fireworks and firecrackers are illegal in the City of Abbotsford.

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