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COVID-19

New mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.

Firework Permits and Safety

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In order to use fireworks within Edmonton, you are required to have a Fireworks Permit. Allow at least 5 working days for a permit to be processed.

> Tier I Permits - for use on private residential property (residents can apply for an online permit to discharge). Meeting provincial health guidelines is the responsibility of the permit holder. Private social gatherings in Edmonton are currently discouraged. 
NOTE: "Private social gathering" is defined as any type of private social function/gathering at which a group of people come together and move freely around to associate, mix or interact with each other for social purposes, rather than remaining seated or stationary for the duration of the function/gathering.

> Tier II Permits - for any show that the public has access to, on private or public land (applications can be made via email by the fireworks display company or qualified firework artist). Due to current gathering size restrictions as outlined by Alberta Heath, Tier II permits will not be issued at this time. 
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PERMIT HOLDERS
The Permit Holder is responsible to abide by all applicable health and safety recommendations, guidelines, directives and orders from Alberta Public Health authorities as well as all applicable policies, administrative procedures, and other rules and directions of the City with respect to the premises.

The Permit Holder acknowledges that such policies, administrative procedures, rules and directions of the City of Edmonton may be more stringent than required by Alberta Public Health authorities.

The Permit Holder acknowledges and agrees that failure to comply with the conditions of this permit, could result in the City deciding to terminate the permit immediately and require the Permit Holder to cease any fireworks display already commenced or about to be commenced, immediately.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services encourages the public to attend community or civic fireworks events as a safer alternative to personal use. If you have obtained a permit for personal use, please follow all fireworks safety tips and conditions below to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please Note: Persons discharging, firing or setting off fireworks within the City of Edmonton limits are required to call the Fire Rescue Services Dispatch Centre at 780-414-7332 a minimum of 30-45 minutes prior to the discharge of fireworks.

Fireworks Safety Tips

Before you use fireworks: 

  • Always check Alberta Fire Bans to find out if there is a fire ban in effect
  • Check the weather conditions to ensure that wind conditions are safe
  • Follow all manufacturer instructions for the safe use of fireworks, and pay special attention to personal and public safety measures
  • Follow all the guidelines for storage and use of fireworks, to ensure they perform as expected
  • Have a responsible adult handle and discharge the fireworks
  • Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children
  • Always have a proper fire extinguisher and a supply of water nearby when using fireworks

Permit to Discharge

These permits are only valid within the City of Edmonton limits. Every municipality in Alberta has different regulations regarding the possession and discharge of consumer fireworks. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to obey all local permit conditions and bylaws.

Permit Conditions for Residential Fireworks

Tier I

The permit to discharge ensures the applicant has the correct product and space allowances to prevent injuries or damage to property.   

You will need to provide an image (or drawing) of your property (such as from Google Maps) including the dimensions of your lot size. On this map, you will need to clearly indicate where you will discharge the fireworks as well as where the spectators will safely view the fireworks.  

You must have sufficient clearance space from property lines, buildings, spectators, trees, shrubs, and other combustibles to meet the manufacturer’s required clearances which can be found on the packaging label of all federally authorized consumer firework products.

Application Criteria

  • This free permit is available online.

  • No person under the age of 18 shall possess, handle, discharge, fire or set off fireworks.

  • The applicant must provide a list of all products, as well as the burst height and safe  spectator distance for the maximum height and distance product.  

  • The applicant must provide an acceptable site plan identifying the discharge location, fallout zone, discharge area, spectator area, house, garage or shed locations, geographical features and building locations with approximate site dimensions.

  • A listed and labelled portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A (2.5 gallon of water) or water supply (charged garden hose), shall be provided in the immediate area where fireworks are being discharged, fired or set off.

  • A permit to discharge is valid for one event (date and time) only. However, the date can be changed prior to the scheduled event by notifying Edmonton Fire Rescue Services by phone (780-496-3628).

Discharging Fireworks

  • All products will be discharged, set off or released consistent with manufacturers’ specifications as indicated on the product label and the Safety Instructions for Consumer guide supplied on purchase.

  • Fireworks cannot be discharged, set off or released on a highway, road allowance, public beach or public park unless written permission from the local authority having jurisdiction is obtained.

  • The applicant confirms that they will not discharge, set off or release fireworks on any privately owned land unless they obtain the written consent of the owner or occupant of that land.

  • Fireworks cannot be fired, set off or discharged on or over

    • Public property and parks, schoolyards and golf courses including:

      • Public land as defined in the Public Lands Act; or,

      • A forest protection area designated under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act unless written permission issued by a forest officer for that purpose has been obtained.

    • Private property unless written permission has been obtained from the property owner or tenant.

  • No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks when the wind velocity exceeds 45 km/hr or when in the opinion of the fire department, weather conditions create an undue fire hazard.

  • No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks where and when a municipal or provincial fire ban is in effect.

Storage of Low Hazard Consumer Fireworks
  • Any time low hazard consumer fireworks, in an amount not to exceed 10 kg, are stored in a dwelling unit, they shall be stored in a secure container, in a cool dry area, and away from an open flame, excessive heat or spark-producing equipment or tools.
Additional Conditions
  • Persons discharging, firing or setting off fireworks within the City of Edmonton limits, are required to call Edmonton Fire Rescue Services’ Dispatch Centre at 780-414-7332 at least 30-45 minutes prior to the discharge of fireworks.

Permit Conditions for Non-Residential Fireworks

Tier II

Due to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, Tier II permits are not being issued at this time.

Any acceptable property other than residential property falls under Tier II permits. This includes community league events, religious celebrations and private property that is not residential.

Application Criteria

  • No person under the age of 18 shall possess, handle, discharge, fire or set off fireworks.

  • The applicant must be certified to a minimum, “Display Assistant” level under the Explosive Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada.

  • The applicant must provide a list of all products, as well as the burst height and safe spectator distance for the maximum height and distance product. 

  • The applicant must provide an acceptable site plan identifying the discharge location, fallout zone, discharge area, spectator area, geographical features and building locations with approximate site dimensions.

  • The applicant will provide an event description with means of visual identification of the spectator viewing area.

  • The applicant will provide an Emergency Action plan and Fire Safety plan, as well as a Site Remediation Strategy.

  • A listed and labeled portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A (2.5 gallon of water) or water supply (charged garden hose), shall be provided in the immediate area where fireworks are being discharged, fired or set off.

  • The applicant must provide proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000.00 coverage.

  • Payment of applicable permit fees as per bylaw 15309, schedule B:

    • Permit fee for Family/Consumer (low hazard) fireworks (per permit, per event): $147

    • Permit fee for high hazard display of fireworks (per permit, per event): $181

      • For high hazard events, a site inspection is mandatory. If the site inspection cannot be done during business hours, overtime may be included with the permit fee.

  • Land use authority.

Discharging Fireworks

  • No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks in a place or manner that creates a danger to any person or property.

  • Fireworks cannot be discharged, set off or released on a highway, road allowance, public beach or public park unless written permission from the local authority having jurisdiction is obtained.

  • The applicant confirms that they will not discharge, set off or release fireworks on any privately owned land unless they:

    • First obtain the written consent of the owner or occupant of that land and the owner or occupant of neighbouring land on which debris might reasonably be expected to fall; and, 

    • Provide a copy of the consent required in sub-clause (c)(i) to the authority having jurisdiction.

  • Fireworks cannot be fired, set off or discharged in a building or place, unless:

    • The fireworks are specifically designed and clearly marked by the manufacturer for such use, and

    • The building or place is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

  • No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks:

    • Within 10 metres of any building, tent, trailer, canvas shelter or motor vehicle;

    • Within 200 metres of any place where explosives or flammable liquids or combustible liquids or substances are manufactured or stored (unless an acceptable mitigation plan is approved);

    • Within 250 metres of a correctional institution as defined in the Corrections Act, a facility as defined in the Mental Health Act, a nursing home within the meaning of the Nursing Homes Act, a social care facility as defined in the Social Care Facilities Licensing Act, a hospital as defined in the Hospitals Act, an educational or religious institution, unless acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction or unless an acceptable plan is approved.

  • Fireworks shall not be discharged, fired or set off from, on or over:

    • Public land as defined in the Public Lands Act; or,

    • A forest protection area designated under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act unless written permission issued by a forest officer for that purpose has been obtained.

  • No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks when the wind velocity exceeds 45 km/hr or when in the opinion of the fire department, weather conditions create an undue fire hazard.

  • No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks where and when a municipal or provincial fire ban is in effect.

Storage of High Hazard Consumer Fireworks
  • Any time high hazard consumer fireworks, in an amount not to exceed 10 kg, are stored in a dwelling unit, they shall be stored in a secure container, in a cool dry area, and away from an open flame, excessive heat or spark-producing equipment or tools.
Additional Conditions
  • Persons discharging, firing or setting off fireworks within the City of Edmonton limits, are required to call Edmonton Fire Rescue Services’ Dispatch Centre at 780-414-7332 at least 30-45 minutes prior to the discharge of fireworks.

For More Information

Fire Prevention Office

Telephone

780-496-3628
Email fireprevention@edmonton.ca

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