Fewer Halloween Fireworks Incidents in Metro Vancouver Due to Stiffer Fines, Wet Weather

Metro Vancouver fire officials are reporting a significant reduction in fireworks-related incidents this Halloween, attributing the drop to higher fines, regional bans, and wet weather. Surrey Fire Service Chief Larry Thomas noted that only four or five fireworks-related fires occurred in Surrey this year, a sharp decrease from about 20 fires reported last Halloween. The city also received around 350 fireworks-related complaints, down from roughly 500 last year.

Surrey doubled fines for fireworks bylaw violations in preparation for Halloween and Diwali, with penalties reaching up to $1,000. "The weather definitely played a role, but the increased fines likely helped in reducing both fires and complaints,” Thomas explained.

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services reported similar trends, crediting the 2021 ban on the sale and use of consumer fireworks. Vancouver recorded 43 fires on Halloween night this year and last year, with seven incidents related to fireworks in 2023 causing $3,000 in damage—down from $225,000 in damages last year. This marked improvement contrasts with Halloween nights before the ban when fireworks caused extensive damage, costing around $1.3 million in 2019.

Despite fewer incidents, some downtown Vancouver residents noted persistent noise throughout Halloween night. Vancouver police reported no major incidents but are investigating an incident where a firecracker injured two students at East Vancouver’s David Thompson Secondary on Halloween morning. One student was hospitalized with a facial injury, while the other suffered temporary hearing loss.