Fireworks Regulations

Changes to the “Delta Fire Regulation Bylaw” specific to fireworks, were adopted by Council May 9th 2006. These changes were - Prohibiting the Sale of Fireworks and controlling the Detonation of Fireworks. This placed Delta in the similar direction as our neighbours in both Surrey and Richmond, as well as a great number of other Lower Mainland jurisdictions, have taken.

The changes resulted from the possession and indiscriminate use of the consumer type of fireworks. They better reflect our community’s attitude towards fireworks in the hands of untrained individuals. The main risk that consumer type fireworks pose is personal injury and fires starting either at the detonation zone or landing area and spreading to structures and vegetation.

Numerous phone calls and emails were received stressing dissatisfaction with the sale and detonation of fireworks. Easy access to fireworks increased the irresponsible elements that overcame certain districts within our Municipality. It is not unrealistic to have a very dry summer with that trend continuing to late October and into November. The Fire Department understands the entertainment value for families of consumer type fireworks. By controlling the times, places, and safety issues surrounding the detonation of these fireworks and educating the untrained individual with safe detonation techniques we believe that both this tradition and the safety of the community can be greatly enhanced.

New Bylaw Regulations:

1. Every application for a fireworks permit shall be in writing on an approved form and delivered to the Fire Chief or an Officer designated by him not less than 10 business days before the fireworks event that is the subject of the application.
2. Fireworks permits will only be issued for the observance or celebration of a special event or festival, religious or ceremonial purposes, or in conjunction with movie and television productions.
3. Applicants must purchase a $200 permit for the detonation of consumer fireworks. This will be accompanied by an on site inspection of the applicant’s desired detonation area and an informative discussion on the safe use of fireworks.
4. The Fire Chief or an Officer designated by him, subject to conditions, is authorized to issue a Fireworks Permit to an individual 19 years or older, provided that they apply 10 business days prior to the fireworks event.
5. The applicant must submit a Fireworks Safety Plan, a letter of permission from the property owner where the event will occur, proof of comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $5,000,000 per occurrence, the date and time of the event, a description of the fireworks to be used, attendance estimates, emergency procedures, and the location and description of the storage area for these fireworks.
6. The Fireworks Safety Plan is a site plan that will indicate the direction of the proposed discharge; all separation distances form any significant ground features, structures, overhead obstructions, parking areas, spectator viewing areas and proposed fall out areas.