As people celebrate summer, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is reminding revellers that fireworks are prohibited.
As the Shuswap enters wildfire season, the Kamloops Fire Centre is currently under a Category 2 and 3 open fire ban, which includes the use of fireworks. In addition to following those provincial bans, the CSRD also has a bylaw that requires anyone using fireworks in Electoral Areas C, E, F and G to have a permit, and can only be used for a Special Public Function.
"With the current bans in place, no fireworks permits will be considered for issuance by the CSRD unless a special exemption for the event has been issued by the BC Wildfire Service," the regional district said in a social media post, adding such was the case for the Canada Day fireworks in Blind Bay.
Anyone caught setting off fireworks without a permit can be fined $200 and/or could face formal enforcement proceedings for each incident.
If witnessing a violation of any fire bans, residents are encouraged to call the RAPP Line at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277). Additionally, when fireworks are set off without a permit in areas C, E, F and G, residents can fill out an online bylaw complaint form, including as much information and evidence as possible.
Further information is available at csrd.bc.ca/260/Fireworks and BC Wildfire Service.
