Every year fireworks seriously injure people and cause millions of dollars in property damage. The Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services encourages fireworks safety with the following regulations. Complete fireworks regulations are detailed in Section 6 of City Bylaw No. 3880, Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw
Can I purchase fireworks in Port Coquitlam?
In the best interest of community safety, the City of Port Coquitlam, like many other municipalities, has banned the sale of any fireworks within the City.
When can I set off fireworks?
Before detonating any fireworks within the City you require a valid Fireworks Event Permit. Fireworks may only be used, set off or discharged on October 31st (Halloween) until 11:00 pm and only with a permit as authorized by the Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services. Anyone found setting off fireworks before or after this date or without a permit may be fined a minimum of $200 and/or formal enforcement proceedings for each incident. Failure to comply with the terms of the Fireworks Permit is also subject to fine and/or formal enforcement proceedings.
Where can I obtain a Fireworks Event Permit?
Application to detonate low hazard fireworks must be made in person at the Tax Office at Port Coquitlam City Hall located at 2580 Shaughnessy Street between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. The fee for a permit is $30. You must be at least 18 years of age to handle fireworks.
Please note: If you are not the property owner of where the permit is being taken out for, you will need a letter of consent from the registered property owner acknowledging that they are permitting you to light/ignite fireworks on the lands for which the permit is for.
Consideration for purchase of a permit must be submitted by 3 pm on the last weekday of October.
Where can I set off fireworks?
Fireworks can be set off:
- on private property and only with the knowledge and consent of the occupant
- as part of a public event controlled by a public body or society. Written permission from the Fire Chief is required for public functions and may be obtained by contacting the Fire Department as noted below.
Anyone found not complying with this regulation may be fined $500 and/or subject to formal enforcement proceedings.
What about purchasing pyrotechnic products other than fireworks?
Firecrackers, Bottle Rockets, Screechers and Roman Candles cannot be sold or discharged in the City of Port Coquitlam. Anyone found selling or discharging these products will be fined.
Who can I contact if someone is not obeying the regulations?
If there is an immediate, serious threat to safety or property, call 911.
For non-emergency calls:
- During office hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm), call in the following order: Bylaw Services at 604.927.5440, or Fire & Emergency Services at 604.927.5466.(8:00 am to 4:00 pm)
- After hours, call in the following order: RCMP non-emergency line at 604.945.1550, Fire & Emergency Services at 604.927.5466, or Bylaw Services at 604.927.5440.