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fireworks

Six fireworks calls to KFR on New Year’s

Jan 3, 2024 | 10:51 PM

KAMLOOPS–Due to the continued drought conditions and lack of snow, Kamloops Fire rescued opted against any fireworks to ring in the new year.

In early December, the City of Kamloops announced it was mulling over the decision to ban fireworks this New Year’s and went ahead with the prohibition just a few days before New Year’s Eve. However, that didn’t stop some residents from ringing in the new year with a bang.

“It’s pretty much a typical, New Year’s Eve weekend, that we always have,” said Ass’t Chief Scott Johnson, of Kamloops Fire Rescue.

“The calls definitely spike up a little bit on the weekends,” he said.

“We had a fireworks ban this year due to the dry conditions and we had a handful of calls, I think there were six calls.”

Despite no permits being issued, the pop of fireworks was heard all over the city.

The penalty for using, possessing, storing or selling unauthorized fireworks is a $250 fine.

Fortunately, Johnson says no damage was caused, and no fines were issued.

“Most of the time it, I mean, you do usually find some evidence, we found nothing on these calls in the night,” said Johnson.

“A few of the calls that we went to, we could see the fireworks being shot off, but by the time we got there, it was already cleaned up I guess. There was no evidence, so not much we can do.”