Police in Port Moody, British Columbia, have issued a cautionary alert following an incident where a 12-year-old boy was hit in the face by a firework on Friday. The boy was promptly taken to a hospital, and fortunately, his injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
According to authorities, the police responded to a call reporting a group of youths detonating fireworks near the Port Moody Recreation Complex at approximately 8:20 p.m. local time. Upon arrival, officers discovered the injured boy at the scene, while his fleeing companions were located a short distance away.
After investigation, law enforcement concluded that the firework incident was unintentional. However, the youth responsible for setting off the firework received a $500 fine as a consequence. Sgt. Sam Zacharias emphasized the importance of abiding by the city’s bylaws, highlighting that fireworks are prohibited throughout the year unless a permit has been secured through Port Moody Fire Rescue.
During the lead-up to Halloween, authorities in Metro Vancouver often experience an uptick in reports related to fireworks. Recent years have seen most municipalities in the Lower Mainland institute bans on the sale and use of consumer fireworks, permitting their use solely in tightly controlled, professional displays with specific licenses. Despite this trend, some areas still allow limited consumer fireworks use on Halloween.
In various municipalities like the District of North Vancouver, the City of Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam, regulations govern the use of fireworks on private property, with different restrictions and requirements in place for each location. It is essential for users to comply with local guidelines and secure the necessary permits before engaging in any fireworks activities.