Abbotsford fireworks rules
Are fireworks allowed?
Short answer
No. In Abbotsford, nobody may set off fireworks unless authorized by a fireworks permit, and nobody may possess them except wholesalers and permit holders. Permits go only to certified technicians for displays. Retail sale to the public is not allowed.
Key facts
| Setting off fireworks | No. Nobody may set off fireworks in the City unless authorized by a fireworks permit, and nobody may possess them except wholesalers and permit holders. Fireworks are also barred in parks without a permit. Permits go only to certified technicians for displays.Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (No. 3710-2026), consolidated, Part 11, s. 107, 108; Fire Permits, intro; Parks Bylaw 2456-2016 (consolidated to March 31, 2026), s. 7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA person must not possess fireworks in the City unless that person is in the City unless authorized by a fireworks permit issued under this bylaw. The use of fireworks and firecrackers is illegal in the City of Abbotsford. Permits will only be issued to certified Technicians who meet the requirements outlined in the Fire Service Bylaw No 3710-2026. No person may carry or discharge fireworks of any description in any Park, unless |
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| Selling fireworks | No. Only wholesalers (licensed by the City, selling in bulk to permit holders or to retailers outside the City) may sell fireworks. Retail sale to the general public is not allowed.Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (No. 3710-2026), consolidated, s. 2, 106; Fire Permits, intro · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA person other than a wholesaler must not offer for sale, sell, give or trade fireworks in the does not include the retail sale of fireworks to the general public. Residents need to be aware that even though fireworks are offered for sale nearby, they must not be used in Abbotsford. |
| What counts as fireworks | 'Fireworks' means cannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, roman candles, sky rockets, squibs, torpedoes, and any other explosive designated as a firework by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (No. 3710-2026), consolidated, s. 2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingcannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, roman candles, sky rockets, squibs, torpedoes, and any other explosive designated as a firework by |
| Permit | Certified fireworks operators only, from the fire chief (Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, 604-853-3566). Apply at least 14 days ahead with a site plan, proof of a valid fireworks operator certificate and fees: permit $150, security deposit $1,000, inspection $150 (re-inspection $300). Liability insurance of $5,000,000 is required.Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (No. 3710-2026), consolidated, s. 110, 113; Fees Schedule; Fire Permits, Fees · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingat least 14 days before the date the fireworks will be used or discharged. proof of valid fireworks operator certificate issued by the Government minimum liability coverage of $5,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property Permit Fee of $150 CAD paid in full. Site Inspection Fee of $150 CAD paid in full. Re-inspection Fee of $300 CAD paid in full. Security deposit of $1,000 CAD contact the Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service, Fire Prevention Division at 604-853-3566. |
| Fine | Bylaw notice: $500 ($50 discount if paid within 14 days of delivery, so $450). Municipal ticket: $1,000 ($500 discount if paid in full by the 30th day after service, so $500). The City's Fire Rescue page says fines range from $200 to $1,000; the City's Good Neighbour Guide says up to $50,000.Sources differ: Three City sources differ. Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw: $500 bylaw notice or $1,000 municipal ticket, or up to $50,000 if prosecuted under the Offence Act. Fire Rescue page: $200 to $1,000 (no $200 amount appears in the bylaw). Good Neighbour Guide (2021, under the repealed Fireworks Bylaw 2005): up to $50,000. The Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw amounts are used. Also, s. 117 makes a person liable for fire department costs. No specific amount for this offence in Table 1 (s. 7) of the Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, 2020 (No. 3017-2020, last amended March 31, 2026), so the general penalties in s. 6 apply. Section 18 sets a late-payment amount of $500 if a bylaw notice is not paid within 30 days after it becomes due. The earlier Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2007 and Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, 2007 were repealed by s. 35.Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, 2020 (No. 3017), s. 6(a), 6(b), 17, 18, 28; Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, 2020 (No. 3017), s. 6(c); Fire Permits, intro; Abbotsford Good Neighbour Guide (2021), Fireworks · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wording$500 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by bylaw notice; $1 000 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by municipal ticket; is discounted by $50 if the penalty is paid in full within 14 days of the delivery of the bylaw notice. is $500 if not paid within 30 days following the date the penalty becomes due and payable. is discounted by $500 if the penalty is paid in full by the 30th day from the date on which the ticket is served. The Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2007 and Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw, 2007 are (c) a maximum fine of $50 000 and 6 months imprisonment for a bylaw contravention Residents caught with fireworks will be subject to fines ranging from $200 - $1000 fines ranging up to $50,000 |
| Bylaw | Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (Bylaw No. 3710-2026), Part 11 Fireworks (replaced the Fireworks Bylaw, 2005)Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (No. 3710-2026), consolidated, title; s. 128 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingFire Service Bylaw, 2026 Bylaw No. 3710-2026 The Fire Service Bylaw, 2020 and Fireworks Bylaw, 2005 are repealed. |
How it works
Under Part 11 of the Fire Service Bylaw, nobody may set off fireworks in the City unless authorized by a fireworks permit, and nobody may possess them except wholesalers and permit holders. Fireworks are also barred in parks without a permit. Home use is not permitted on any date. The fire chief may confiscate fireworks.
"Fireworks" means cannon crackers, fireballs, firecrackers, mines, roman candles, sky rockets, squibs, torpedoes, and any other explosive designated as a firework by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
Steps (certified display only)
- Permits go only to certified fireworks operators, from the fire chief. Apply at least 14 days ahead with a site plan, proof of a valid fireworks operator certificate and the fees.
- Fees: permit $150, security deposit $1,000, inspection $150 (re-inspection $300).
- Liability insurance of $5,000,000 is required.
- Contact Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service at 604-853-3566.
Good to know
- Only wholesalers licensed by the City, selling in bulk to permit holders or to retailers outside the City, may sell fireworks. Retail sale to the public is not allowed.
- The bylaw lists no specific fine, so the general penalty applies: a $500 bylaw notice ($450 if paid within 14 days of delivery) or a $1,000 municipal ticket ($500 if paid in full by the 30th day after service). A person who breaks the bylaw is also liable for fire department costs.
- The City's Fire Rescue page says fines range from $200 to $1,000, and the 2021 Good Neighbour Guide says up to $50,000. These differ from the bylaw, so confirm the amount with the City.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Mission · Township of Langley · Chilliwack · Langley City · Maple Ridge · Pitt Meadows
Sources
- Fire Service Bylaw, 2026 (No. 3710-2026), consolidated (read 2026-11-05)
- Fire Permits, City of Abbotsford (read 2026-11-05)
- Parks Bylaw 2456-2016 (consolidated to March 31, 2026) (read 2026-11-05)
- Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, 2020 (No. 3017) (read 2026-11-05)
- Abbotsford Good Neighbour Guide (2021) (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.