Local News
Thinking of setting off fireworks in Airdrie? Fire department says think again
Airdrie firefighters are reminding residents that fireworks are banned inside city limits without a permit. In a Facebook post on Wednesday morning, the Airdrie Professional Firefighters Association wrote: “Fireworks are illegal within the City of Airdrie without valid permit. They pose a risk to our community if not used properly.” Airdrie’s Fire Services Bylaw B-18/2018 bans consumer fireworks outright but allows certified operators to apply for permits to stage high-hazard display shows. The bylaw states that “no person shall sell, possess or discharge fireworks in the City unless they have the appropriate permits and licensing for high-level displays,” while low-level consumer fireworks are “banned within the City” and their possession, sale or storage is prohibited. According to the City’s permit guidelines, only individuals trained and certified through Natural Resources Canada’s Explosives Regulatory Division may apply for a display-fireworks permit. Each application requires a municipal address, safety inspection and site review by a fire-department safety-codes officer before approval. Violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $2 500 under the bylaw. In Calgary, the fire department, community-safety officials and police issued a joint statement earlier this month reminding residents that fireworks are strictly prohibited within city limits unless handled by certified professionals with valid permits. The release said police logged more than 200 complaints about fireworks during a six-day span last year, many tied to cultural celebrations. In 2024, Calgary International Airport considered shutting down an active runway because of fireworks discharged nearby, officials said. “Fireworks can cause serious injuries, and with Calgary experiencing one of the driest fall seasons on record, it’s more important than ever to not use fireworks unless you have a permit,” said Deputy Fire Chief Pete Steenaerts. “One spark could set off a fire that could damage your home or community. It’s crucial that all Calgarians respect these regulations and leave fireworks to the professionals.” Fireworks account for more than 19 000 fires and send over 9 000 people to emergency rooms each year in North America, the City noted. Calgary’s bylaw 55M2014 sets minimum fines of $500 for possession and $250 for use or sale. Violations can also breach the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition) and the Safety Codes Act, with penalties up to $100 000 for a first offence. The Calgary Police Service repeated the message in an Oct. 18 social-media post, reminding residents that permits are mandatory and that fireworks bought outside the city remain illegal without authorization. Police wrote that only certified professionals are allowed to ignite fireworks and urged Calgarians to celebrate responsibly and “keep our community safe.” In Edmonton, police linked their own appeal to a backyard fireworks fire that significantly damaged two townhomes near 25 Avenue and 24 Street. “The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is urging the community to celebrate safely this Diwali. Setting off fireworks inside city limits without a permit is illegal — and very dangerous,” the service said. “Two homes were significantly damaged. Thankfully, no one was injured. But this could have been much worse,” police wrote. “Three adult males were charged with arson — a serious criminal offence — for recklessly causing damage by fire or explosion.” The post ended: “No permit. No fireworks. Light up your home, not your neighbour’s roof. Celebrate Diwali safely.” The reminders coincide with Diwali, the Hindu “Festival of Lights,” which fell on Oct. 20. According to Timeanddate.com, Diwali is marked in many Canadian communities with family gatherings, sweets and lights symbolizing “the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness.” Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM. DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. To hear more on this story and others, stream us live here.