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Fireworks are a popular form of recreation — from baby gender reveals to community events to cultural celebrations. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy fireworks safely:
To use fireworks in Edmonton, you must have a Fireworks Permit. Please allow 5 working days for a permit to be processed.
Fireworks cannot be used on public property (i.e. public parks, school yards, golf courses) unless you have a certified professional.
Fireworks are permitted on residential property. Ground products are recommended as most properties do not have adequate space for aerial products (as per Federal Regulations).
Review the safety information provided by the Government of Canada.
Work with a Fire Prevention Officer to:
Pre-approve the site for your community or public event.
Determine what products you can use on your residential property BEFORE you purchase.
Email fireprevention@edmonton.ca or call 780-496-3628.
Discharging fireworks on your property requires a Tier I permit. The permit is only valid for one event. However, you can change the date by calling Edmonton Fire Rescue Services at 780-496-3628.
Find a space on your property that is clear of sheds, buildings, houses, trees, shrubs and any other combustible item. This cannot include any public property, roads and/or parks.
Identify where you want to discharge the fireworks.
Measure the space from where you will discharge to the closest building, shed, house, tree or shrub. You will need this information when you buy fireworks.
Buy from a professional at a retail outlet.
When you purchase your fireworks, the label clearly indicates the space you must have to prevent damage to property or injury (this is a Federal requirement).
Work with the fireworks professional to buy the product that matches the space you have.
The free permit is available online.
You must have permission from the property owner.
You will need to provide:
The product with the highest burst height.
A drawing or map of your property showing you have the space required as per the product label.
Check Alberta Fire Bans to find out if there is a fire ban currently in effect.
Follow all the guidelines on the label of the product.
Do not use fireworks if the wind exceeds 45 km/hr or there is a fire ban.
Have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose.
Call the fire department 15 minutes before you shoot your fireworks. The number is 780-496-3628.
Due to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, Tier II permits are not being issued at this time.
Any property other than residential property and/or where the public can attend requires a Tier II permit. This includes community league events, religious celebrations and private property that is not residential.
Email fireprevention@edmonton.ca or call 780-496-3628 to have your site pre-approved (no fee).
You must have a certified professional discharge fireworks. The minimum certification is “display assistant”.
Tier II Consumer permits: $147
Inspection/over time fees will not be charged.
High hazard permits: $181
For high hazard events, a site inspection is mandatory. Fire Rescue will work with the event organizer to have the site inspection done during business hours whenever possible. If the inspection cannot be done during business hours, overtime may be included with the permit fee.
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.
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.
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.
Have a responsible adult handle and discharge the fireworks.
Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children.
Follow all instructions on the label of the fireworks. The label clearly indicates the space you MUST have to prevent damage to property or injury.
Follow all the guidelines for storage of 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.
Always have a proper fire extinguisher and a supply of water nearby when using fireworks.
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