While we will be having a big Canada Day firework show by the City of Airdrie, are consumer fireworks allowed in Airdrie?

According to the City of Airdrie, as per the Emergency Services Bylaw residents are technically not allowed to launch consumer fireworks or low-hazard recreational fireworks. 

"We do have a bylaw that does not allow consumer fireworks to be displayed. You can't go to the local gas station and buy fireworks and display those in Airdrie. You need to take those to other municipalities if that's something you want to do," explained James Kostuk, Deputy Chief of the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD).

There is one exception to the bylaw and that is if you are a professional.

"If you're looking to enjoy the fireworks, we do allow display fireworks that are done by a professional within the city and we encourage you to attend those events."

When asked about why AFD doesn't allow fireworks in the city, Kostuk talked about the fallout zone which is the space needed for the firework debris to fall.

"To meet the fallout zone on the packaging of consumer fireworks, you would need to live on a large parcel of land two acres or greater. You can't do that within the city and in a backyard."

To be extra safe for the big Canada Day firework show, the AFD does take some extra precautions to try and mitigate the chance of a fire.

"The fire department checks the site, we make sure that branches are cut, and any watering takes place that needs to happen. A lot of effort is put into reducing the risk, you can't do that with consumer fireworks."

This year's show will take place at Chinook Winds Regional Park starting at 10:45 p.m. Thanks to the Canadian Heritage Grant, $20,000 will be put towards the show.

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