Fireworks and Your Furbaby
For decades fireworks and firecrackers on Hallowe’en was an annual tradition in BC. My childhood memories of Hallowe’en always ended with neighbours gathering and fireworks on the streets. But also with firecracker explosions could be heard for days leading up to October 31st, and days afterwards.
My children’s childhood memories also include chasing displays around the neighbourhoods after trick or treating was done. If you grew up in BC, fireworks, firecrackers, and sparklers form the fabric of Halloween but this is actually a uniquely B.C. thing loosely connected to the celebration of Guy Fawkes Night by British expats in early Vancouver.
In 2021, fireworks and firecrackers are banned in most Lower Mainland municipalities. This doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be explosions and bangs in your neighbourhood however as fireworks can still be purchased outside city limits.
If you have a dog it's very likely your dog will become frightened an anxious on Hallowe’en night. In fact many dogs run away on Hallowe’en so before the 31st comes around, be sure your furbabies are wearing their collar and have good ID tags attached.
Fireworks are loud and unpredictable, which most dogs perceive as a threat. But there are some things you can do to help your furry friend endure.
Keep him inside, and create a safe place if you can. Our dogs will hide out in my den-office at the bottom of our stairs in the basement. However if your dog has a crate, that might be where they feel most secure. If you can, play some music or white noise to help drown out the startling crack and boom. And of course bring his bed and toys into the room.
If your furry family member is a cat, these tips from VetsNow are good advice:
Don’t confine your cat to one room. Leave the door open
Keep your cats indoors
Close the curtains to avoid flashes
Make sure they have access to their ‘safe place’ (our Luna hides under our bed) and try to avoid checking on them repeatedly
Act normal - cats are smart and can pick up on your worry
Fireworks in all our municipalities -
We searched through local municipal bylaws for fireworks status and this is some of what we found. If you’re not sure about your own town, google Fireworks in MyTown and you’ll find a quick reply.
In Squamish, where I raised my family, fireworks are still permitted for special celebratory holidays such as Hallowe’en (Diwali and New Year's Eve). A permit application opens about 5-7 days before the holiday so persons wanting to have a display for Hallowe’en would need to apply this week with a deadline of 2:00 pm October 31st. New in 2025: council moved to ban consumer fireworks; reports state a sweeping bylaw banning possession and the permit portal was not activated for Halloween 2025.
As of November 1, 2020, the sale and the use of fireworks by the general public is no longer permitted in Vancouver. They may only be discharged by a Certified Firework Technicians. This will hopefully result in fewer unexpected explosions in your neighbourhood.
Fireworks are allowed in Surrey, but only for persons owith a permit from the Fire Chief. This could mean various family or neighbourhood fireworks events may occur on Halloween.
It is illegal to buy or sell fireworks in Coquitlam and setting off fireworks is also prohibited unless you obtain a permit from Coquitlam Fire/Rescue.
In Burnaby sale of fireworks is illegal; sale/use/possession of firecrackers is illegal; bylaw prohibits consumer use.
North Vancouver -
City of North Vancouver — Fireworks regulated; consumer use generally prohibited unless under bylaw provisions; check permits for displays.
District of North Vancouver (DNV) — Sales allowed Oct 25–31; you must apply for a fireworks permit to set them off within a narrow window.
The District of Maple Ridge prohibits sale or explosion of fireworks year-round without a permit; recent notices remind residents permits are required for any event.
Mission Sale or use of firecrackers and other fireworks prohibited under Bylaw 1706-1987; organizations can apply for a special permit with a certified operator.
In the City of Chilliwack use of consumer fireworks and firecrackers is illegal within city limits; even if available nearby, they cannot be used in Chilliwack.
Langley
Township of Langley — A permit must be obtained to sell/possess/discharge; the Township actively enforces restrictions.
City of Langley — No sales; possession or discharge requires a display permit and a certified supervisor.
In the City of Abbotsford Sale, possession, and discharge by the public are prohibited; permits only for certified technicians with strict conditions.
Squamish Nation (on reserve lands) — Separate bylaw bans use, promotion, sale, and possession on all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lands.
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