(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Celebrations

PA area residents encouraged to think safety first before using fireworks

Dec 31, 2024 | 1:00 PM

The sky over Prince Albert and surrounding area is expected to be lit up with an abundance of colour tonight.

As per a municipal bylaw, New Year’s Eve is one of only two days during the year when fireworks are permitted but only between dusk and 12:15 a.m the following morning. Joel Perreault is a Battalion Chief with the Prince Albert Fire Department and also reminds residents fireworks cannot be used on public property (parks, playgrounds) or off the street and preferably in an open area of private property.

“And proximity to combustible buildings and materials, that’s a huge concern,” he said, adding fireworks are dangerous to handle and are highly flammable.

“There’s been injuries associated with them so we want everybody to be super diligent when using them,” he said.

The city’s most recent changes to the fireworks bylaw date back to 2022, and both bylaw officers and the Prince Albert Police Service have the ability to enforce the rules. Enforcement can include fines of $500 and a bill for any resulting damage can also be levied.

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Stores selling low hazard fireworks are required to post signs regarding the allowed usage.

A spokesperson for the Lakeland and District Fire Department provided paNOW with a short message, encouraging people to follow local laws and regulations, and not to handle fireworks if impaired by drugs or alcohol.

“Only adults should handle fireworks, be sure to set them off in a clear open area that permits the use of them on flat stable ground. Attempt to use common sense. Have fun, sit back, and enjoy,” they said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell