Fireworks in Sooke

Updated October 19, 2023

  • (October 3, 2023): While the category 2 and 3 prohibition has been lifted in the Coastal Fire Centre, a determination as to whether or not fireworks will be permitted on Hallowe’en will be made closer to October 31st. Fireworks may be permitted in Sooke if persons have a valid permit and on October 31st only. Fines for non-compliance are described below. Additionally, backyard burning remains prohibited in Sooke. Backyard burning is permitted between November 1 and April 30 and on days when the ventilation index is GOOD.
  • (September 14, 2023): The current category 2 and 3 open fire prohibitions, which include fireworks, will remain in place until October 31, 2023, or until the order is rescinded. As a result, at this time, fireworks will not be permitted in Sooke on Hallowe’en. Updates will be posted to this page as new information is available. Note: if the Coastal Fire Centre lifts the restrictions, as per the District of Sooke Fireworks Regulation Bylaw, bylaw no. 286, a final determination on fireworks in Sooke is made by the Fire Chief. This approach is in place to best respond to local conditions, including available resources.
  • (October 20, 2022): Weather Results in Fireworks Prohibition in Sooke this Hallowe’en. READ MORE >>
  • (October 13, 2022) – The COASTAL FIRE CENTRE has a fireworks prohibition in place.
  • (October 13, 2022) – After an unseasonably dry fall, Hallowe’en fireworks are unlikely to be permitted in the District of Sooke on October 31, 2022, independent of a decision by the Coast Fire Centre. A final determination on fireworks will be made on October 20, 2022. READ MORE >>
  • The sale of fireworks is PROHIBITED in Sooke.
  • Discharge of fireworks requires a permit and approval under the direction of the District of Sooke Fire Chief.
  • Firework permits are issued as per the District of Sooke Fireworks Regulation Bylaw, bylaw no. 286, which limits the discharge of consumer fireworks to October 31st of each year between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. exclusively and, again, under the direction of the Fire Chief.

Enforcement

  • Fine Schedule (Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, No. 836):
    • Sale of fireworks: $500 penalty
    • Possess prohibits fireworks: $100 penalty
    • Possess firecrackers: $100 penalty
    • Possess fireworks without a permit: $200 penalty
    • Discharge outside permitted period: $100 penalty
    • Contravene permit (consumer or display fireworks): $100 penalty
    • Unsafe discharge: $200 penalty
    • Underage possession: $100 penalty
    • Allow underage possession: $100 penalty
    • Use pyrotechnics without permit: $200 penalty
    • Contravene permit (pyrotechnics): $500 penalty
    • Obstruction of Peace Officer: $250 penalty
  • Designated Enforcement Officers (Bylaw, No. 836) include:
    • Bylaw Enforcement Officer
    • Fire Department Personnel
    • Duty Officer RCMP

To report a concern on October 31, please call Sooke Fire at 250.642.5422. At any other time, please call Bylaw Services at 250.642.1634.

Fireworks Safety

  • Review the District’s Fireworks Regulation Bylaw, No. 286 and obtain a permit before discharging fireworks in Sooke.
    • If the Fire Chief authorizes the issuance of permits, permits for Fireworks on October 31 will be issued on October 25, 26, 27 and 28 ONLY, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the District of Sooke Municipal Hall, 2205 Otter Point Road OR Sooke Fire Station 1, 2225 Otter Point Road.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at anyone or anything.
  • Never hold fireworks in your hand while lighting them.
  • Never attempt to re-light or move fireworks that fail to go off.
  • Follow these precautions to reduce the risk of injury or damage from fireworks:
    • Only those 18 years of older, with a permit, may possess or discharge fireworks.
    • Only low-hazard fireworks are to be used by the general public.
    • Firecrackers and bottle rockets are prohibited throughout Canada by federal regulation.
    • Modification of fireworks is prohibited.
    • Choose a safe outdoor area for discharging fireworks: a bare area of ground away from buildings, overhead obstructions, trees, vehicles, dry grass and other flammables.
    • A bucket or wheelbarrow filled with soil or sand makes a good secure base.
    • Spectators should watch from a safe distance, at least 20 metres upwind.
    • A stick should be used to light fireworks, rather than matches or a lighter.
    • Either a garden hose or a large bucket of water or sand should be ready at the site.
    • Duds should be left untouched for a minimum of 30 minutes.
    • Dispose of spent firework casings in a container of water.

Data

  • An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
  • Brush, grass, or forest fires accounted for three of every five (59 percent) reported fires started by fireworks in 2014–2018.
  • Nine of every 10 (87 percent) of the fireworks fires in 2014–2018 were outdoor fires. While only 9 percent of the fireworks fires in this period were structure fires, these incidents accounted for almost all of the fire deaths, three-quarters (74 percent) of the fire injuries, and 45 percent of the fire property damage.
  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 9,100 consumer fireworks-related injuries were seen in US hospital emergency departments in 2018

Source: National Fire Protection Association (Canadian data not available at time of website update)

Waiver and Indemnity

Anyone taking out a fireworks permit in Sooke must sign a waiver and indemnity agreement.