With Halloween around the corner, the City of Richmond is warning anyone caught buying, selling, distributing or setting off fireworks in the city could be slapped with a hefty fine.
Richmond Fire-Rescue along with the city’s bylaw department and the RCMP will be patrolling the city looking for the illegal use of fireworks, with the city saying a “zero tolerance approach” is in place.
The city sent out a reminder on Thursday that fireworks are illegal in Richmond and can only be set off with a permit.
Buying fireworks, displaying them for sale or distributing them can net a $1,000 fine.
Setting off fireworks without a permit can result in a $400 fine.
The city is also warning that, because of the extremely dry conditions due to the lack of rain, fireworks and firecrackers can easily start fires that can spread “quickly resulting in significant property damage, injury or even death.”
To report fireworks-related complaints, call the Richmond RCMP non-emergency line at 604-278-1212.
The city, however, will be holding a Halloween event at the Minoru Track on Monday, Oct. 31 and this includes the "City's largest fireworks display," according to its website. There will also be music, dancing, roving performers and magicians.
