Police and Surrey's bylaw enforcement team are preparing for a very busy night Thursday (Oct. 31) when both Halloween and Diwali will be celebrated.
Without a city-issued permit, fireworks and firecrackers can't be sold, purchased or displayed in Surrey.
"Those caught selling or setting off fireworks are subject to fines and seizure of the fireworks, and the fines have increased significantly this year," warns Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer with the Surrey RCMP, in a news release.
Fines of up to $50,000 are now possible under Surrey's updated Fireworks Bylaw, following an Oct. 7 decision by the city council.
The city says bylaw officers will step up patrols focused on fireworks usage in areas with the most reports of such activity. "Calls to the City will help identify these hot spots," says a news release from city hall. "Officers will respond to reports, gather evidence, issue tickets and involve the RCMP as needed. Last year, bylaw officers visited over 500 locations and issued around 150 tickets."
Fireworks complainants should call City of Surrey Bylaws at 604-591-4370 — NOT 911 unless it's an emergency.
"After midnight (Oct. 31)," Sangha noted, "please call the Surrey RCMP non-emergency line at 604-599-0502 to report any complaints about fireworks. Please note, we are unable to receive reports of criminal activity via social media (Facebook and Twitter)."
All permit rules and regulations are posted on surrey.ca/fireworks, which shows three fireworks/pyrotechnics display permits issued for a single address in Surrey (1620 192 St.) from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1.
Fraser Health says that while Halloween and Diwali are "exciting times to gather with loved ones, they can often be loud and pose potential risks to hearing health."
The health authority recommends staying 500 feet from fireworks displays and the use of hearing protection, among many other Halloween/Diwali tips posted on fraserhealth.ca.
