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Can You Set Off Fireworks at Home This Halloween? A City-by-City Guide

Can You Set Off Fireworks at Home This Halloween? A City-by-City Guide

Short answer: maybe in PoCo with a permit, rarely in Coquitlam and practically never in Port Moody. Here's what each city says.

Fireworks on Halloween are a long-standing tradition around here, but the rules change the moment you cross a city line. Here's what Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody say on their own websites.

Port Coquitlam: yes, with a permit

PoCo is the most fireworks-friendly of the three, but you still need to follow the rules.

  • Permit required. It costs $30 for low-hazard (consumer) fireworks and $250 for high-hazard.

  • Apply in person at the Tax Office, Port Coquitlam City Hall (2580 Shaughnessy St.). City Hall is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Halloween is a Saturday this year, so apply as soon as possible and confirm the deadline with City Hall (604-927-5411).

  • Only valid on Oct. 31, until 11 p.m.

  • Private property only, with the owner's consent. No fireworks on roads, parks, trails or sports fields.

  • Handlers must be 18+.

  • Banned: Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets and screechers.

  • Fines: Violations can bring a $500 fine per incident, and the City says bylaw staff will be doing extra patrols on Halloween night.

  • Buying: Fireworks sales are prohibited inside PoCo.

Coquitlam: technically possible, but a long shot

  • Buying and selling fireworks is illegal in Coquitlam.

  • Setting them off requires a permit from Coquitlam Fire/Rescue. Read the City's Fireworks Permit Guidelines (PDF) before applying. The requirements are strict enough that most backyards likely won't qualify.

  • Firecrackers (including bottle rockets and screechers) are illegal to sell, buy or set off.

  • The City's advice: the safest way to enjoy fireworks is a public display run by trained professionals.

Port Moody: plan on skipping it

  • Buying and selling fireworks is prohibited.

  • Using fireworks legally requires a permit from Port Moody Fire Rescue. Review the City's Fireworks Permit Guidelines (PDF) and call 604-469-7795 to start. Don't expect a quick backyard approval for Halloween night.

Pet safety

Fireworks night is hard on pets.

  • Keep dogs and cats indoors before dark, with ID tags on and microchip details up to date.

  • Give them a quiet room, close the curtains and turn on the TV or music.

  • Walk dogs earlier in the evening, on a leash.

  • Keep pets away from the door during trick-or-treating.

  • Find more tips at spca.bc.ca/Halloween.

Spot someone breaking the rules? In PoCo, call Bylaw Services (604-927-5440) or the RCMP non-emergency line (604-945-1550) after hours. Call 911 only for an immediate threat to safety or property.

Sources

Tri-Cities Board · Where the Tri-Cities Come Together