Crowd watching fireworks/via 123rf

Those planning to set-off fireworks today to celebrate Halloween in Kamloops are being warned against the idea.

Kamloops Fire Rescue Chief Ken Uzeloc notes the city is still dealing with drought-like conditions.

“We had someone shooting fireworks on Friday night and within five minutes, we were called out for an interface fire in that area in Westsyde so, it just goes to show that everything is so dry and it’s just not worth the risk.”

Uzeloc says anyone caught lighting-off fireworks faces a minimum fine of $250.

“There is also one for storing and handling or discharging fireworks in an unsafe manner, or create a nuisance of 250-dollars and offering fireworks without a permit is a minimum $250 (fine).”

But Uzeloc warns that if those fireworks set off a fire, fines could reach into the thousands of dollars.

“It goes beyond that because quite frankly, if you have now done something that is illegal and not allowed, there is also a method we could look at, where you could be responsible for the costs of the whole response that is needed to deal with anything that might happen.”

While fireworks are not allowed in Kamloops this Halloween, the Fire Department in Barriere will be holding a firework show at 7:30 pm at the KP Ball Diamonds in Barriere.

Just a reminder that as per @kamloopsfirerescue Fire Chief , fireworks are not permitted. It’s a minimum $250 fine for sale, distribution or lighting of fireworks. Let’s load up on candy, not fireworks this Halloween. pic.twitter.com/rIFAZ19HPb

— Kamloops Fire Rescue (@KamFire) October 30, 2023