Friday October 20, 2023 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends | SOOKE NEWS SECTION
No consumer fireworks permits will be issued in Sooke this Halloween season.
This comes as Sooke Fire Rescue continues to prioritize safety and protection of people and property.
Consumer fireworks are currently banned in several municipalities and regional districts in British Columbia including the City of Vancouver, Chilliwack, and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
No residential fireworks:
Residential firework displays will be prohibited in Sooke on October 31, 2023.
“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this fireworks prohibition. Our primary concern remains the safety of our community,” says Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
The District of Sooke urges individuals to report any instances of unauthorized fireworks usage through Sooke Bylaw at 250-642-1634 or Sooke RCMP non-emergency at 250-642-5241, allowing them to take appropriate action.
The District of Sooke Fireworks Bylaw No. 286 allows consumer fireworks when authorized by the Sooke Fire Chief, with permits only, and is limited to consideration for fireworks usage on October 31st.
Event at Camp Barnard:
Sooke residents are invited to enjoy a fireworks show at Camp Bernard (3202 Young Lake Road) on Tuesday night, October 31.
Fireworks will be activated over the lake starting at 7:30 pm, with friends from Otter Point Fire Services.
Under the supervision of Otter Point Fire Services, there will be a community bonfire at 6:30 pm. Treats include hot dogs and hot chocolate, and candy bags for the kids. | Link for More Sooke Halloween event information
Collaborating with Otter Point:
“I know fireworks are a part of many Halloween festivities. We’ve connected with neighbouring communities, where display fireworks permits have been issued and comprehensive fire safety plans are in place so that the residents of Sooke still have an opportunity to safely enjoy fireworks this year,” says District of Sooke Fire Chief Ted Ruiter.
“Otter Point Fire Services is happy to host a Halloween event, including fireworks, for the region,” shares Otter Point Fire Chief John McRae. “This event is an extension of our partnership and collaboration with Sooke as fire departments work together in supporting our communities.”
Changing times:
Fireworks have become a beloved tradition during Halloween festivities but times are changing with respect to community well-being and a commitment to FireSmart practices which recognize fireworks are a high-risk activity, the District of Sooke said in a news release today.
“Fireworks, while visually captivating, pose significant risks if not handled properly,” says Fire Chief Ruiter. “The potential for accidents, injuries, and property damage cannot be overlooked. By implementing this prohibition, we aim to mitigate these risks and promote responsible and enjoyable Halloween celebrations for all.”
This year’s no-fireworks at Halloween is a switch from 2015 in Sooke when Canada Day fireworks were postponed to October 31 due to dry forest conditions on Canada Day that year.
In recent years, 83 fires caused by fireworks have been reported to the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner.
Some provinces, like Alberta, have banned consumer fireworks altogether.
Call volumes up:
Current Fire Rescue Services call volumes are up 45% this year (from 448 calls to 653 calls). This significantly reduces the time and personnel available to process permits while also ensuring appropriate safety plans and responding to emergency calls in a timely manner throughout Sooke.
Looking to 2024:
“The District may consider hosting an event in future years to complement what our friends at Otter Point Fire are doing, should there be sufficient interest,” says Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
“Given a record-breaking wildfire season combined with such a significant increase in demand on local fire rescue resources, I appreciate Chief Ruiter’s leadership and looking out for what is best for the safety of our community,” said Mayor Tait in today’s news release.
===== ABOUT THE WRITER:
Island Social Trends Editor Mary P Brooke has been writing about the Sooke and west shore region since 2008. Her series of publications has taken a socioeconomic view to things that impact individuals, households, businesses and communities.
The print editions of MapleLine Magazine (2008-2010), Sooke Voice News (2011-2013), and West Shore Voice News (2014-2020) have been permanently archived at the Sooke Region Museum.
Island Social Trends has been published entirely online at the daily news portal IslandSocialTrends.ca. A print version of Island Social Trends will start up in 2024.
In 2023 Mary Brooke was nominated for a Jack Webster Foundation award that recognizes a woman journalist who serves her community through journalism. She now reports on key highlights of BC news with the BC Legislative Press Gallery.
Mary Brooke lived in Sooke for 10 years (2007-2017) and relocated to Langford in 2017. Her company office for Brookeline Publishing House Inc is in Langford, where she also provides printing services through MapleLine Business Centre (formerly a retail storefront in Sooke).
Mary P Brooke ran for Sooke School District (SD62) school trustee (Belmont Zone – Langford, Colwood, Highlands & Metchosin) in 2022.