As Halloween approaches, the City of Courtenay and the Courtenay Fire Department are reminding residents that fireworks are restricted within city limits.

The City says fireworks can cause property damage, serious burns, and injuries including eye and hand trauma – increasing demands on health care, emergency services, and other first responders.

They are also traumatic for wildlife and domestic pets.

While there are businesses in the Comox Valley region selling fireworks, regulations around regional fireworks permits do not apply to properties located within City of Courtenay boundaries.

Anyone selling or discharging fireworks will be in violation of Courtenay’s bylaws and could be subject to fines.

For those residing outside the City of Courtenay, but within one of Courtenay’s Fire Protection Districts, fireworks are regulated by the Comox Valley Regional District. Please visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/fireworks for more information.

CVRD residents are reminded that they need a permit prior to setting off fireworks for properties within Electoral Areas A, B or C.

Fireworks in the rural areas are only allowed to be set off on property you own or with the owner’s permission.

The sale of fireworks in the CVRD begins today and lasts until November 1st and must be from a commercially zoned retailer operating under the current fire regulations within the region.

Failure to have a permit is now a $500 fine.

For more information visit City of Courtenay.