If you found it difficult to sleep on Halloween night, you are far from alone.
While the City of Vancouver's fireworks ban came into effect on Nov. 1, 2020, there has been noisy theatrics each Halloween following the ban -- as well as damages.
In 2021, for example, 麻豆传媒映画Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) reported at least $10,000 in damages directly from fireworks, as well as $170,000 in damages from the weekend (although many of the incidents were unrelated to fireworks).
Around 10 a.m. on Halloween day this year, VFRS tweeted that they would be patrolling neighbourhoods in the evening and responding to complaints submitted to the city's 311 service. They added that they would issue fines for people using fireworks in the city as no one had applied for permits and therefore "all fireworks are illegal."
Numerous locals took to social media to share images and videos of fireworks in their neighbourhoods. The loud booms and crackling pops were heard at all hours. People shared videos of sparkling spectacles over English Bay, residential areas, downtown, and more.
While a couple of people mentioned that they missed the fireworks, most of them said the ban did not prevent people from letting them off.
I really miss the fireworks. Halloween isn't the same without it.
— Richard Wittstock (@rwittstock)
I love fireworks at Halloween. I know there are alot of detractors but I love it. Such a uniquely vancouver thing
— Anthony Riglietti (@anthony604)
Locals shared a variety of displays across the Lower Mainland.
These Skytrain passengers are getting a front row view of fireworks tonight 馃巼
— Braden McMillan (@BradenMcMill)
Fireworks!
— 銉熴兗銉堛儨銉笺儷 馃惂 (@nanasaki_io)
after 11pm
— niamh (@nievebookcorner)
Numerous people expressed anger at how long the combustible displays lasted, with several people reporting that they continued into the wee hours of the morning.
Happening now downtown
— Anders Falk (@Flanders1234)
So it’s 7am and people are still letting off fireworks in Mt Pleasant
— Ian Young (@ianjamesyoung70)
02:00 round of fireworks followed by another at 04:46, False Creek. I can't imagine the mind set. Sociopaths, maybe?
— Chris Doyle (@ensembleator)
Fireworks. About once every 30-60 minutes. What, do these bros wait after each one until you're probably back to sleep before doing it again? Though this time it was 3 in a row - maybe that's the 1:20 am special. Holy hell it's loud.
— Lindsay Brown (@Lidsville)
Many people were upset on behalf of their furry best pals. The BC SPCA says the noise from exploding fireworks can be terrifying to animals, causing them to "bust through door screens or even windows to run away."
Many animals suffer severe injuries out of panic induced by the booming sounds. Fireworks also frighten, disorient and disturb wild animals.
Happening now downtown
— Anders Falk (@Flanders1234)
I'd generally wager fireworks fans are mostly not dog folks. Once you have seen a dog who is legitimately terrorized (cowering in corners, wetting themselves, or escaping and getting lost) by fireworks, you usually don't want to expose them to that again.
— James (@airigidir)
I got our girl a little dragon wing harness, but she will not be going trick or treating as all the costumes and fireworks will be scary for her
— The Broad Majestic Shannon (@shanathalas)
