Fireworks Ain’t Rocket Science – Get a Permit, Use ‘em Safely

June 22, 2012

If you are buying or using fireworks in Edmonton for the Canada Day Weekend, be safe and make sure you have a permit to use them.

“We want all residents and visitors to enjoy their long weekend in safety,” said Rusty Foerger, assistant fire marshal, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. “If used safely, fireworks can be a lot of fun for communities and families. Permits are required for using fireworks and our process helps ensure no one’s house gets burned down, and no one ends up with a surprise bill in the mail.”

The assistant fire marshall says if you want to set off fireworks in Edmonton, you must obtain a permit from the City before purchasing your fireworks.

“The permitting process is about public safety,” he said. “Taking a bit of time to get the permit can save a lot of headaches and even heartache by preventing the worst-case scenario.”

If you use fireworks without a permit, and start a fire, you may be subject to a bill for emergency services or even charges.

Fireworks permit requirements

To qualify for a permit, you must demonstrate:

• You are the property owner or, if you are not the property owner, you have written permission from the owner and proof of insurance coverage
• You have at least 400 square metres of space to set off the fireworks (10 metres in every direction.)

Where to get a permit

Edmonton Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention section issues fireworks permits. The Fire Prevention office is located at 10565-105 Street, and is open Monday to Fridays between 8am and 4:30pm. You can access the Fire Prevention office from the northeast corner of the building.

NOTE: Due to construction in the area, there is limited public parking available near the Fire Prevention Office. The following locations will be open between noon and 5pm, June 26 to June 29, 2012, to accommodate higher numbers of permit applications leading up to the long weekend.

• Terwillegar Station (Station 24), 131 Haddow Close
• Lake District Station (Station 25), 8403-167 Avenue

Fireworks safety

• Before you use fireworks, always check https://albertafirebans.ca/ to find out if there is a fire ban in effect
• Follow all of the instructions for the safe use of the fire works paying special attention to personal and public safety measures
• Follow all of the restrictions for storage and use to ensure that the firework performs as expected

Purchasing fireworks for use outside of Edmonton

Anyone who wants to purchase fireworks for use outside of Edmonton must have written permission from the authority having jurisdiction (Local Fire Department) in the region in which the fireworks will be used. This permission must have a date no older than 2 weeks before the time of purchase.

 

For more information:

Fire Prevention Office

Telephone	780-496-3628