If you were one of many residents who chose to create your own fireworks display on Canada Day, take note for future festivities.

There is a bylaw in the City of Moncton that states you must have permission from the fire chief’s office.

“You can buy them, and it’s not illegal to sell them, but it is illegal to use them in the City of Moncton without the authorization of the fire chief’s office,” says Moncton Fire Chief Conrad Landry.

He says fireworks deal with combustion, heat and fire, and that creates safety concerns for buildings and people. A fire could also easily start in a grassy area and could quickly spread if you don’t have the right tools nearby. Those setting off the fireworks or anyone watching could also potentially be injured.

“We probably wouldn’t authorize residential fireworks because the criteria are fairly wide, but if someone is planning a large festival or concert, then they may consider it,” Landry says.

Landry says they did not receive any complaints on Canada Day this year, but it was a different story in 2024, when they received quite a few.

If there is a complaint, a fire prevention officer is sent out to investigate, and Landry says the individual could face fines of between $140 and $2,000 or more if there is wrongdoing.

Bylaws may vary depending on the community you live in. You should always check to see if there are rules in place in your community before creating your own fireworks display.