The District of Tofino is looking into making changes to its fireworks bylaws following a rise in complaints over their use.
Complaints about consumer fireworks have been rising in recent months, prompting discussion about how fireworks should be managed in the town, Tofino’s fire chief said in a presentation to council April 26.
“There has been an increased number of complaints from the public about witnessed safety concerns, garbage and noise disturbance from the use of consumer fireworks,” said Brent Baker, Fire Chief and Manager of Protective Services in the council meeting.
Currently residents of Tofino are allowed to use fireworks on Canada Day, American Independence Day, Halloween, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Baker said options may include prohibiting consumer fireworks within Tofino or only allowing pyrotechnics with approved permits to have firework events.
“If it’s consumer fireworks, then what we do still have is the potential to still offer to display fireworks put on by a certified pyrotechnician,” said Baker.
He said in the past, some large-scale firework presentations haven’t been done with professionals in this way.
“In the past some of the fireworks put on at various places have not been done in that manner and really have not had the oversight that they could have,” said Baker. “I’d like to make sure that if we go that route where it is allowable under some circumstances that there’s a lot more oversight and thought put into carrying it off safely and having proper planning in place.”
The issue of fireworks comes as many changes are being considered to beach fires in Tofino, including changing the requirements for clean-burning fire appliances.
READ MORE: Tofino considering a year-round fire ban on all beaches
Justin Waddell
