New Penalties for Illegal Fireworks in Surrey
The City is significantly raising fines for unauthorized fireworks use ahead of Halloween and Diwali to promote public safety.
The City of Surrey is updating the Fireworks Bylaw, introducing increased fines to improve public safety, especially around Halloween and Diwali. These holidays often see a rise in unauthorized fireworks, which can cause injuries, property damage, and distress to animals.
Enhanced enforcement for Halloween & Diwali
On Halloween and Diwali, bylaw officers, working with RCMP, will actively investigate and track fireworks activity across Surrey.
- Bylaw officers will be deployed in areas with high reports of fireworks use. Calls to the City will help identify these hotspots.
- Reports of fireworks activity will be tracked to direct enforcement. Officers will respond to reports, gather evidence, issue tickets, and involve the RCMP as needed.
- Last year, bylaw officers visited over 500 locations and issued around 150 tickets.
Report illegal fireworks by calling 604-591-4370. Do not call 911 unless there is an emergency.
Stronger Fireworks Bylaw and higher penalties
To discourage illegal fireworks use, new penalties are being introduced:
- Fireworks Bylaw: Minimum $400 fine, maximum $50,000 fine.
- Municipal Ticket Information (MTI): Maximum $1,000 fine.
- Bylaw Enforcement Notice (BEN): Maximum $450 fine.
To further strengthen enforcement, the City is making key updates:
- Each day an offence is committed under the Fireworks Bylaw is treated as a separate violation.
- Police officers in Surrey can now issue MTI fines for fireworks violations.
How to legally enjoy fireworks
There are strict regulations to ensure fireworks are used safely. According to the City’s Fireworks Bylaw, only individuals with the appropriate federal certification and a permit from the Surrey Fire Service are allowed to discharge fireworks.
Review Surrey's fireworks regulations and learn how to apply for a fireworks/pyrotechnics permit.