Earlier in June, I brought forward an inquiry at EPPS committee to ask staff to assess the risks of setting off consumer fireworks in dry weather conditions, as well as the feasibility of allowing staff to input temporary bans of consumer fireworks during extreme conditions, similar to open air fire bans.
As a result, I am pleased to say that Council passed a motion that will allow the Fire Chief to prohibit the setting off of consumer fireworks on a temporary basis for public health and safety and for protection of property and to mitigate the risk of fires, based on environmental, weather or other conditions.
With the increase of forest fires leading to the destruction of thousands of trees and causing poor air quality, now more than ever, we need to exercise caution to protect our environment and our health.
