With the Victoria Day long weekend coming up, people may be considering setting off fireworks to celebrate.
However, a by-law passed at Tuesday night’s council meeting now prevents the sale and use of fireworks in Bradford West Gwillimbury as long as the current fire ban is in effect.
Under the by-law, no person shall set off any family fireworks or display fireworks in the Town of BWG, if a fire ban has been instituted by the Fire Chief.
“You shouldn’t be promoting fireworks if you have a fire ban,” said Deputy Mayor James Leduc. "It doesn't make sense to have fireworks, when we have a fire ban."
Leduc added, “So if we remove our fire ban, you’re open to fireworks. Hopefully the fire ban will be lifted soon."
Mayor Rob Keffer agreed it was “just the sensible thing to do.”
The by-law is in effect as of May 5, 2020.
All open-air fires were banned in BWG as of April 3, 2020. That included a ban on burn barrels, fire pits, wood burning appliances like chimineas, and campfires. Propane and natural gas appliances may be used in accordance with the Manufacturers' instructions, and barbecues may be used for food preparation, only. All burn permits have been cancelled.
The ban was issued as part of the effort to reduce the number of calls on the fire department, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Said Fire Chief Kevin Gallant at the time, "We are taking every precaution to protect our essential workers... Backyard fires are an unnecessary risk at this time, since investigating calls about smoke from recreational fires or responding to outdoor fires that have accidentally spread puts a strain on our resources," and increases the interaction between residents and firefighters.
