Get Ready for Spooky Sparkles!
LBFR's Halloween fireworks display returning
You will need to plan ahead if you're counting on buying or igniting fireworks this year.
Lions Bay Fire Rescue (LBFR) Chief Lorenzo De Arcangelis wants to remind residents that under the Village of Lions Bay Fire Bylaw, a person must be over 18 to sell, possess, distribute, light, set off or explode fireworks within the Village.
De Arcangelis told The Watershed that any residents planning to ignite their own fireworks on Halloween must provide the Village Office with at least one week's notice. "The notice must include the time and location, the type of fireworks being used, the person who will be handling and setting them off, and their contact information."
The Village has a Consumer Fireworks Policy that allows residents to use commercially-produced fireworks on both October 31 and New Year's Eve. (The policy can be found as an appendix to the Fire Bylaw, HERE).
"From a fire prevention perspective, we ask residents who intend to use consumer fireworks to ensure they comply with the Village requirements and use them responsibly. Fireworks should always be handled by an adult, manufacturer's safety instructions should be followed, appropriate separation from people, structures and vegetation should be maintained, and a reliable means of extinguishment should be readily available," says Di Arcangelis. "Given the forested environment surrounding Lions Bay, conditions at the time will also be an important consideration. Public and firefighter safety will remain our priority."
De Arcangelis adds that fireworks may only be used if he is satisfied that they can be discharged without creating a risk of fire or injury, will not be propelled toward buildings, structures, hedges or vegetation, are not within 30 metres of stored flammable materials, and do not belong to the category of firework deemed "High Hazard".
High Hazard fireworks are prohibited within Lions Bay except when used by LBFR as part of a Village-sanctioned public occasion.
For firework lovers, the good news is that LBFR does indeed plan to conduct a firework display this Halloween.
LBFR Deputy Chief Mattie Gildenhuys says the event is planned for Lions Bay Beach Park, starting after dark on Halloween night (between 7 and 8 p.m.). There will also be a bonfire, with hot chocolate and other goodies to be provided by the Lions Bay Events Committee.
The Events Committee has other big, spooky plans in store, but will need volunteer support to make it happen. If you think you may be available to help with the preparation or on the day itself, they are asking potential volunteers to reach out HERE.
On Halloween night between 5 and 8 p.m., LBFR will be cruising around the Village in their fire trucks to ensure all the little trick-or-treaters are safe, and "maybe or maybe not" handing out candy.
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