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Kitimat residents encouraged to safely discharge fireworks this Halloween

Fireworks safety tips from the District of Kitimat
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Only adults should be discharging fireworks. (Black Press Media/file photo)

Halloween brings out all the ghouls and ghosts but it also brings a very familiar sight in the sky — fireworks.

Within the District of Kitimat, holiday fireworks are allowed to be discharged on Dec. 31 until 2 a.m., on Jul. 1 and on Oct. 31. Sales for these days fall on, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 for New Years, Jun. 22 and Jul. 1 for Canada Day and Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 for Halloween. Safety is important for those looking to handle and discharge their own fireworks.

“The District of Kitimat and Kitimat Fire and Ambulance Service has not had any reported incidents in recent years,” said Director of Economic Development and Communications, Michael Dewar.

However, members of the public have expressed concerns about the negative impacts fireworks have on pets. As a result of this, the District of Kitimat is being more active in warning people about these impacts.

The district does have some safety tips for those that are headed out to let off their own fireworks. Only adults should be discharging fireworks as it is illegal for those under 18 to be in possession of fireworks. People should read and adhere to the instructions on the fireworks they are going to set off.

If you are lighting fireworks, a bucket, large box or wheelbarrow filled with sand or earth make a good firing base. A bucket of water or sand or a garden hose should be ready at the site. Also, people are reminded to properly dispose of their fireworks when they are done which can include putting spent fireworks in a bucket of water.

Spectators should always remember to keep their distance from the discharge site and people should never aim their fireworks at anyone or anything.

A safe area should be chosen when considering where to go with your fireworks. An area is ideally, bare, away from buildings, overhead obstructions, trees, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects.

If people are interested in setting off fireworks outside these permitted holidays the Fire Chief may also be able to issue a permit for low hazard class fireworks for special festive occasions.



Christian Aspostolovsky

About the Author: Christian Aspostolovsky

Born and raised in Kitchener Ontario before I found my way up to northwest B.C. working at a small radio station as a news reporter.
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