Fireworks & Pyrotechnics

Fire bans & restrictions

The following types of open fires are prohibited in the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of the Haida Gwaii Forest District:

• Category 2 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation; and, 
• Category 3 open fire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation. 

In addition to open fires being prohibited, the following activities and equipment are also restricted:

• Fireworks; 
• Sky Lanterns; 
• Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description; 
• Binary Exploding Targets; 
• Air curtain burners; 
• Tiki and similar kind of torches; and, 
• Chimineas.

For more information visit Fire Bans and Restrictions - Province of British Columbia.

Fireworks/pyrotechnics permits

The City of Surrey allows firework/pyrotechnics displays only if you have applied for and been granted the appropriate permit by the Surrey Fire Service Fire Prevention Branch.

Fireworks/pyrotechnics permits are issued under the authority of and are subject to the conditions of the Surrey Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4200 and may be cancelled at any time by the Fire Chief without prior notice.

A completed Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Permit Application and all other required information must be submitted to the Surrey Fire Service Fire Prevention Office at least 5 business days before the scheduled event.

Fireworks/pyrotechnics permit conditions

The City of Surrey follows guidelines as determined by Natural Resources Canada and their manuals:

• Natural Resources Canada - Display Fireworks Manual
• Natural Resources Canada - Pyrotechnics Manual

Conditions for receiving a fireworks/pyrotechnics permit are:

• Proof of possession of a valid Natural Resources Canada Fireworks Operator card appropriate for the fireworks/pyrotechnics to be used in the display. Each individual who will purchase, handle, discharge, fire, or in anyway set off any fireworks/pyrotechnics materials and/or devices must posses a valid card.
• Written permission to conduct a fireworks/pyrotechnics display from:
  • the property owner or agent of the land; and
  • the owner of agent of the neighbouring land on which fireworks/pyrotechnics debris might reasonably be expected to fall.
• A Certificate of Liability Insurance (minimum $2,000,000).
• A site plan that includes separation distances to the public, location of ramps and mortars, fallout zone, direction of firing and significant ground features. (e.g., roadways, buildings or other structures, overhead obstructions, parking areas, spectator viewing areas) and location of security personnel and public restraints.
• An event description that includes the timeframe that the fireworks/pyrotechnics will be on site, time of site lockdown, time of setup, completion of display, list of devices and effects to be used, firing procedures, emergency procedures, description of site security and site cleanup.
• A list of attending crew members and crew members qualified in first aid.
• Verification of notification of appropriate RCMP District office of event details.

The permit application fee can be found under Section 6 (7) of the Surrey Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 4200. An inspection of the proposed site may be required prior to issuing the permit. If an inspection is required after 4:30pm, Monday to Friday or on weekends, an inspection fee will be charged.

Additional precautions may be required after an assessment by the Fire Inspector prior to issuing the Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Permit.

Review Surrey's Burning Regulations and Permits for more information.

Fireworks/pyrotechnics display permits issued