No fireworks allowed this Halloween in Kamloops
Oct 30, 2023 | 5:30 PM
Aaron Schulze
KAMLOOPS — On Tuesday night (Oct. 31) the streets will be filled with all kinds of ghosts, princesses and superheros. While everyone gets into the Halloween spirit, some safety tips are worth taking note.
“Don’t trick or treat alone. Go with a buddy. Always go with the buddy system. It’s a big one that we promote as police officers. It’s good to have somebody there in case you need help or in case you get hurt, too. And it just makes it safer all around,” explained Cpl. Crystal Evelyn, spokesperson for Kamloops RCMP.
She also encourages people to wear bright costumes to make sure they can be seen.
“Having a flashlight can be very helpful, too. We always tell our kids, ‘Even though you’re excited, don’t run.’ Do one side of the street and then do the other side of the street as well instead of running back and forth.”
Fireworks are very popular on Halloween night. However, Cpt. Jeff Pont of Kamloops Fire Rescue says they are not allowed this year.
“There’s no permits for fireworks. We’re not allowing any. That means no setting off fireworks. No selling fireworks. There’s a minimum $250 fine if you’re caught with fireworks. And we will be enforcing that,” he said.
The decision was made as a precaution, based on drought conditions and wildfire danger.
“It’s still dry out there and not allowing fireworks is a good way to to make sure that we don’t have any more grass fires because it doesn’t look like we’re getting any precipitation. It’s going to be dry for a while,” explained Pont. “We actually had some fireworks and a grass fire this weekend. It just goes to show that it’s still dry out there.”
Aside from those who are out and about in the streets, Cpl. Evelyn reminds drivers to also pay extra attention on Halloween night.
“There’s going to be more children probably than usual out on the streets in the dark. So please, just slow down, have a look around, make sure it’s safe for you. It’s safe for everybody.”
So, make sure the fun spooky night doesn’t turn into a really scary event.
