Vancouver firefighters hope Saturday doesn’t turn out to be a repeat of Halloween last year.
Despite new bylaws and restrictions in place on fireworks, Vancouver fire and rescue spokesperson Capt. Gabe Roder said they responded to just as many fires in 2008 as they usually do.
“Last year we responded to 40 fires that were directly related to fireworks on Halloween and it caused about $500,000 worth of damage,” he said. “We are going to attempt to mitigate that.”
Anyone buying fireworks in Vancouver must have ID and is required to have a permit. It is also illegal to use fireworks on public property. “Only light fireworks on private property, you can’t light them on the street and you can’t light them on schoolyards or parks.”
Despite the restrictions, Roder said the department is still ready for a busy night as teenagers and other troublemakers take to the streets after the kids finish trick or treating.
