Fireworks are not permitted in the City of Abbotsford.
The use of fireworks and firecrackers is illegal within the City of Abbotsford. Please be aware that although fireworks may be available for sale nearby, they cannot be used within the City of Abbotsford limits. In accordance with the Part 11 – Fireworks Division 1 – Fireworks Regulations of the Fire Service Bylaw.
Seasonal Tips
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
- If you have a natural tree, make sure it isn’t losing needles (this means it is too dry and poses an increased fire hazard).
- Cut 2 inches off the trunk to aid water absorption.
- Use a tree stand that holds at least 1 gallon of water. Refill it every two days.
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
- Secure the tree so that it doesn’t tip over.
- If you purchase an artificial tree, ensure it is flame-resistant and CSA or ULC-approved.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights. Don’t block stairways or entrances.
- Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree, be it natural or artificial.
- After Christmas - Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
- Every year, thousands of people – most of them children – are treated in emergency rooms for serious injuries related to fireworks.
- Fireworks (sparklers and firecrackers included) are not toys.
- The City of Abbotsford has banned the sale, use, and discharge of fireworks. Some of the important points for Fire Rescue Service members are:
- No person may offer for sale, sell, give or trade Fireworks within the City boundaries.
- No person may have Fireworks within the City boundaries.
- No person may fire or discharge Fireworks within the City boundaries.
- Don’t get caught up in the holiday spirit —make sure your children trick-or-treat safely.
- Rather than buying a mask, use makeup, so the children can see more easily.
- If your kids go trick-or-treating after dusk, make sure they have a flashlight and are wearing reflective material.
- Dress children in warm, light colored clothing, so that they may be easily seen when crossing the street.
- Do not purchase Halloween costumes and other items which are not marked “Flameproof” or “Flame-Retardant”.
- Remind children to skip houses that are not well-lit.
- Check candy before allowing kids to eat it.
- Avoid tricks that could cause bodily injury, destroy property, or cause a fire.
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read
- manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to
- keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
- When you leave the room or go to bed, blow out lit candles. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or bed.
- Use fewer lights when decorating for energy savings and increased safety.
- Do not use frayed or damaged strings of lights or extension cords.
- Use only CSA or ULC-approved light sets.
- Never use indoor lights outdoors.
- Do not string more than 3 sets of lights together.
- Do not overload extension cords or electrical outlets.
- Turn off and unplug all holiday lights when you leave home or go to sleep.
- Use a timer to turn lights on and off in your absence.
- Keep excess electrical cord away from high-traffic areas.
- Never use staplers to secure cords.
- Make sure that replacement bulbs are of equivalent or lower wattage than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Do not let young children plug or unplug the lights.
- Never yank on the cord to unplug lights. Pull the plug from the outlet.