---
title: Coquitlam fireworks rules
question: "Are fireworks allowed?"
place: Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/coquitlam
category: Bylaws, noise and complaints
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Coquitlam
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/fireworks/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/fireworks.json"
---

# Coquitlam fireworks rules

**Question:** Are fireworks allowed?

**Short answer:** No. In Coquitlam, no one may set off fireworks, firecrackers or pyrotechnics without a permit from the Fire Chief, and buying or selling them is banned. The distance rules for a permit effectively rule out most residential lots, so permits suit organized displays, not backyards.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Coquitlam, https://www.coquitlam.ca)  
**Cost:** Permit fees: low hazard $52.50; high hazard $116.50; pyrotechnics $209.90. Bylaw notice $250 ($200 if paid within 14 days); municipal ticket $1,000.  
**How long:** Complete permit applications must arrive at least 72 hours before the event.  
**Where:**
- Online: Fireworks Safety page (permit application and guidelines), https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety
- Phone: Emergency (fireworks in progress or a fire), 9-1-1

## Key facts

- **Setting off fireworks:** Banned unless you hold a permit from the Fire Chief; no one may possess for use, set off or discharge low or high hazard fireworks, firecrackers or pyrotechnics. Permits are for religious, ceremonial, celebratory or business purposes, and clearance rules effectively rule out most residential lots. No fireworks in a park without a Facility Use Licence.
  - Source: [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026), s. 9.2, 9.3](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
  - Official wording: "Subject to sections 9.3 and 9.4, no person will possess for purposes of use, set off, use," … "(a) Low Hazard Fireworks;" … "(d) pyrotechnics." … "for religious, ceremonial," … "celebratory or business related purposes." … "impose any and all conditions which he deems necessary to provide for the"
  - Source: [Fireworks Safety, Fireworks Permits](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety)
  - Official wording: "Setting off fireworks is also prohibited unless the user has a permit from the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue Department."
  - Source: [Parks and Community Facilities Rules and Regulations Bylaw No. 3617, 2004, section 7, s. 7(1)](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4513035)
  - Official wording: "No person shall discharge any fireworks in a Park or Community Facility without a" … "valid Facility Use License"
  - Source: [https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/248/Fireworks-Permit-Guidelines-PDF, Permit Requirements (f)](https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/248/Fireworks-Permit-Guidelines-PDF)
  - Official wording: "These clearance requirements essentially eliminate" … "most residential lots from receiving a permit."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Selling fireworks:** Not allowed. No one may possess for resale or distribution, offer for sale, store, distribute or sell low hazard fireworks, high hazard fireworks or firecrackers.
  - Source: [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026), s. 9.1](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
  - Official wording: "No person will possess for purposes of re-sale or distribution, offer for sale, store," … "distribute or sell:" … "(c) Firecrackers."
  - Source: [Fireworks Safety, Fireworks Permits](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety)
  - Official wording: "it is illegal to buy or sell fireworks in Coquitlam."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What counts as fireworks:** Low hazard fireworks are consumer fireworks for recreation (showers, fountains, golden rain, Roman candles, volcanoes and sparklers). High hazard fireworks are display fireworks (display shells, large wheels, barrages, mines). Firecrackers are small noise-maker fireworks such as bottle rockets and screechers. Pyrotechnic special effects are professional-use items needing a separate permit. All are covered by the ban.
  - Source: [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026), s. 2 (definitions)](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
  - Official wording: "consumer fireworks for recreation (Category F.1," … "such as showers, fountains, golden rain, Roman candles," … "volcanoes and sparklers, but does not include Firecrackers;" … "display fireworks (Category F.2, previously Class 7.2.2)" … "small Low Hazard Fireworks or High Hazard Fireworks with" … "including, without limitation, bottle rockets and screechers;"
  - Source: [Fireworks Safety, Pyrotechnic Special Effects Permits](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety)
  - Official wording: "Pyrotechnic Special Effects are high-hazard pyrotechnics articles designed for use by professionals."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Permit:** Apply to Coquitlam Fire/Rescue (Fire Chief) with a Fireworks Permit Application; complete applications must arrive at least 72 hours before the event. Low hazard displays need a responsible person aged 19 or older. On private property the applicant must be the owner or have written authorization. Fees: $52.50 low hazard, $116.50 high hazard, $209.90 pyrotechnics.
  - Source: [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026), s. 9.3, 9.4, 9.7](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
  - Official wording: "a permit in the" … "prescribed form from the Fire Chief to use, set off, explode or discharge any Low" … "The Fire Chief will not issue a permit pursuant to section 9.3 for private property unless a" … "registered owner of such property is the person seeking the permit or the permit"
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5484, 2025, Schedule G, Schedule G, Fire/Rescue Department Fees & Charges](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6285879)
  - Official wording: "a) Low Hazard Fireworks $ 52.50" … "b) High Hazard Fireworks $ 116.50" … "c) Pyrotechnics $ 209.90"
  - Source: [Fireworks Safety, Fireworks Permits; Pyrotechnic Special Effects Permits](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety)
  - Official wording: "Before you complete your Coquitlam Fireworks Permit Application (PDF), please read the Fireworks Permit Guidelines (PDF)." … "you must be certified by Natural Resources Canada and have a Coquitlam Pyrotechnic Permit."
  - Source: [https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/248/Fireworks-Permit-Guidelines-PDF, Permit Fees (a); Conditions of the Permit (a)](https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/248/Fireworks-Permit-Guidelines-PDF)
  - Official wording: "Complete applications must be received a minimum of 72 hours prior to the event." … "must be at least nineteen years of age."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $250 ($200 if paid within 14 days) for selling, setting off or discharging low hazard or high hazard fireworks, firecrackers or pyrotechnics, or breaking a permit condition. Municipal ticket: $1,000.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026), Schedule A, Fire Prevention & Life Safety Bylaw](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017)
  - Official wording: "Sale of low hazard fireworks 9.1(a) 200 250 n/a" … "Discharge of low hazard fireworks 9.2(a) 200 250 n/a" … "Discharge of firecrackers 9.2(c) 200 250 n/a" … "Discharge of pyrotechnics 9.2(d) 200 250 n/a" … "Breach of permit condition 9.3 200 250 n/a"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4320, 2012 (consolidated July 2026), Schedule B-8](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303001)
  - Official wording: "Discharge of low hazard fireworks 9.2(a) 1000" … "Sale of low hazard fireworks 9.1(a) 1000" … "Discharge of firecrackers 9.2(c) 1000"
  - Source: [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026), s. 9.6](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
  - Official wording: "may seize Firecrackers, Low Hazard Fireworks and High Hazard"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (s. 9, Fireworks, Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics)
  - Source: [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026), s. 9](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
  - Official wording: "9. Fireworks, Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics" … "BYLAW NO. 3712, 2005"
  - Source: [Fireworks Safety, Fireworks Permits](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety)
  - Official wording: "Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw Number 3712, 2005"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw 3712](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356), no one may possess for use, set off or discharge low hazard fireworks, high hazard fireworks, firecrackers or pyrotechnics without a permit from the Fire Chief. Permits are for religious, ceremonial, celebratory or business purposes. No one may sell, offer for sale, store or distribute them. In a park, a Facility Use Licence is also needed.

## Steps

1. Read the Fireworks Permit Guidelines and complete the Coquitlam Fireworks Permit Application, both PDFs on the Fireworks Safety page, and send them to Coquitlam Fire/Rescue.
2. Apply at least 72 hours before the event. On private property the applicant must be the owner or have the owner's written authorization.
3. For a low hazard display, a responsible person aged 19 or older must be in charge.
4. Professional special effects (film, stage) need someone certified by Natural Resources Canada and a separate Coquitlam Pyrotechnic Permit.

## Good to know

- Low hazard fireworks are consumer fireworks (fountains, Roman candles, sparklers). High hazard are display fireworks. Firecrackers are small noise-makers such as bottle rockets and screechers. All are covered.
- The Fireworks Permit Guidelines say the clearance requirements essentially eliminate most residential lots from receiving a permit.
- Officers may seize fireworks held or used in violation of the bylaw.
- A bylaw notice for selling, setting off or discharging fireworks is $250 ($200 if paid within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000.

## What you'll need

- Fireworks Permit Application and Fireworks Permit Guidelines (PDFs on the Fireworks Safety page)

## Official forms and pages

- [Fireworks Safety page (permit application and guidelines)](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety)
- [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw 3712, 2005 (PDF)](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356)
- [Fire and Rescue Fees and Charges](https://www.coquitlam.ca/227/Fire-and-Rescue---Fees-and-Charges)

## Related questions

- [Coquitlam backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/backyard-fire.md)
- [Coquitlam bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/bylaw-fines.md)
- [Coquitlam noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/noise-rules.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Fireworks rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fireworks.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/fireworks.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/fireworks.md)
- [Anmore](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/fireworks.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/fireworks.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/fireworks.md)
- [Pitt Meadows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/fireworks.md)

## Sources

- [Fireworks Safety, City of Coquitlam](https://www.coquitlam.ca/239/Fireworks-Safety) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fire Prevention and Life Safety Bylaw No. 3712, 2005 (consolidated, amended 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6233356) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5484, 2025, Schedule G (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6285879) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Parks and Community Facilities Rules and Regulations Bylaw No. 3617, 2004, section 7 (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4513035) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4320, 2012 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303001) (read 2026-11-05)
- [https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/248/Fireworks-Permit-Guidelines-PDF](https://www.coquitlam.ca/DocumentCenter/View/248/Fireworks-Permit-Guidelines-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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Coquitlam. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/fireworks/_