Authorities across the Lower Mainland are preparing to crack down on Halloween fireworks.
Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Surrey, and other communities across the region are warning residents of the risks and penalties associated with fireworks use.
In Vancouver, the sale and/or use of fireworks are punishable by a $1,000 fine.
Data collected by Vancouver Fire Rescue Services shows that damage from Halloween fireworks has plummeted since the fireworks ban and fines came into effect three years ago.
Figures show 17 incidents in 2020, three in 2021, and two in 2022. VFRS did not provide numbers for 2023.
“Thankfully, I think a lot of people are understanding the impacts of having explosives from people who are not trained,” said Matthew Trudeau, the fire department’s public information officer.
Surrey has also banned fireworks and increased fines this year from a minimum of $100 to $400 per offence.
“The maximum fines have gone …