911 calls rocket after fireworks set off

Edmonton’s fire department is reminding residents to acquire a permit before shooting fireworks in the city after an increase in calls to 911 mistaking fireworks for gunshots.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is only issuing tier one permits this year for fireworks launched on private property, the service said in a news release Thursday. Permits for community fireworks shows on public land such as parks or schoolyards are not being offered due to COVID-19 health restrictions.

But since July 1, there have been 14 calls to 911 reporting fireworks use and 47 calls alleging gunshots when instead it’s fireworks being launched.

“These calls tie up dispatch lines affecting both police and fire resources,” Russell Croome, deputy fire chief of public safety, said in the news release. “We ask people to apply for a permit and to notify dispatch officers of when and where the fireworks display will take place, at least 30 minutes prior to discharge.”

Meanwhile, the city has only received six residential permit applications and none of them have been approved. Two didn’t have enough room for safe distancing from the shooting site, two were going to launch over public property, one was for a location in Strathcona County and the other required a Tier 2 permit for use of public land.

Residents over 18 can apply for a Tier 1 permit for free online and must provide a list of all fireworks products being used. Applicants must also provide a site plan to identify the shooting location, spectator area, house, garage and shed locations to ensure appropriate distancing.

It could take up to five days for a permit to be processed and residents are asked to call the fire services dispatch centre at 780-414-7332 at least 30 minutes before lighting the fireworks so the fire department is aware of the display taking place.

Fireworks can’t be launched if wind speeds exceed 45 km/h or during a fire ban.