Chestermere Fire Services has recently received many questions regarding Fireworks, Fire Crackers and Flying Lanterns and whether or not they are allowed to be used in the Town of Chestermere.
Chestermere Fire Services would like to remind residents that:
- Fire Crackers and Flying Lanterns (also known as a sky lantern) are prohibited in Alberta. If you see them being used, call 911 and report it to the Fire Department immediately.
- Fireworks are regulated under Section 5.7 of the Alberta Fire Code and a permit is required to launch fireworks.
Captain Brent Paquette said, “Chestermere Fire Services has only given permits for two firework displays in Chestermere this summer: Canada Day and the Water Festival. All other fireworks that have been set off inside the town of Chestermere have not received a permit.”
If you have questions regarding fireworks call (403) 272-9878 during normal business hours. If you see fireworks being set off in town call 911 and report it to the fire department.
Fireworks Requirements:
The following is a summary of requirements for the storage, sale, purchase, possession and discharge of low hazard fireworks in Alberta.
Obtaining Fireworks:
Any person wishing to sell, offer for sale, store, purchase, possess, handle, discharge, fire or set off fireworks requires written permission of the fire department to do so and must obtain the following permissions:
- the wholesaler will require written permission from the fire department to provide product to retailers within the municipality,
- the retailer will require written permission from the fire department to store, display and sell these products.
- the consumer will require written permission from the fire department to purchase and discharge these products. No permission can be granted to purchase without a corresponding permission to discharge.
- written consent for discharge from the landowner and any neighbouring affected landowners will be required prior to obtaining permission.
Setting Off Fireworks: (Section 5.7.1.5. of the Alberta Fire Code)
No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks
- in a place or in a manner that creates a danger or constitutes a nuisance to any person or property,
- on a highway, road allowance, public beach or park unless they first obtain written permission from the fire department,
- on 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 to the fire department,
Enforcement: (Section 5.7.1.6. of the Alberta Fire Code)
- The fire department is permitted to seize any fireworks offered or exposed for sale or being held or used contrary to this Section.
- A Fire Safety Codes Officer has the authority to halt a display for any reason and to seize the fireworks and dispose of them. Failure to comply could result in a court appearance and fines are up to $15,000 and/or 3 months in jail for a first offence.
