NEW YEAR’S – Kamloops Fire Rescue ponders fireworks ban due to drought

There might be no fireworks to ring in the new year in Kamloops.

Due to drought conditions, Kamloops Fire Rescue says fireworks may be prohibited.

Even though the summer heat has long subsided, the drought conditions seen in our area this year remain, KFR said in a news release today (Dec. 5, 2023).

“Our top priority is keeping our community safe,” said Scott Johnson, Assistant Fire Chief. “We will continue to monitor our fire conditions and reassess the ability to grant fireworks permits to applicants if the conditions improve.”

When drought conditions exist, launching fireworks becomes extremely dangerous unless there has been recent rainfall or snowfall to moisten the ground and vegetation, the release said.

“Even though we are into the late fall, the vegetation in our area remains drought stressed, dry, and primed to burn,” added Johnson. “We do not want to jeopardize our community’s safety due to an errant firework or debris fallout.”

Under Fire Prevention Bylaw No. 10-37, fireworks and pyrotechnical devices cannot be used without an appropriate permit.

Residents may incur a $250 fine for using, possessing, storing, or selling illegal fireworks without a valid notice of authorization from Kamloops Fire Rescue.