Pet Owners and Firefighters brace for backyard Halloween Fireworks

Oct 31, 2022 | 5:12 PM

PRINCE GEORGE- Fireworks are a staple of the Canadian Holidays, and Halloween is no exception. In Fact, here in Prince George, Oct 31st is one of 3 Holidays where you dont need a permit to let off fireworks to celebrate. Eye candy like that dosn’t come without a catch though, improper and careless use of incendiary devices like roman candles, firecrackers, and backyard fireworks can cause serious injury and property damage, and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a visit from the local fire department or a by-law officer.

“I’ve heard people’s stories where they’re lighting off fireworks too close to neighbour’s houses… the firework does land on the house and starts a fire. Fireworks are fun, but they are dangerous, if you can leave it to the pros to do, that’s the best thing” – Lt. Andrew Zielinski, Prince George Fire Rescue

Kristen Summers of the BC SPCA’s North Caribou Animal Centre, says it can be the smallest members of our households that are impacted the most by the noise and chaos of Halloween and fireworks displays. Pets like cats and dogs have extremely sensitive hearing, and often can hear the pops and bangs of a distant firework even if you can’t… and it’s not easy to explain to an animal what all the hubbub is about on Halloween night.

“As soon as dusk hits, and it comes early this season, keep your pets calm, and keep them on the same routine. Animals love routine, they like to be fed at the same time, and walked at the same time, maybe even bump that up by an hour, so you know the walking is done before all the kids come through the neighbourhood. Prepare a safe space for them too… if there’s an area that they’re used to and somewhere where they can be safe without hurting themselves or other people in the enviroment… because a predictable dog, once they’re in a stressful enviroment like around firework noises, you can’t predict what will happen.” -Kristen Sumner, BC SPCA North Caribou Animal Centre

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However you choose to celebrate be it letting loose some fireworks in the barkyard, or hunkering down inside with your pets to await the onslaught of trick or treaters, be mindful of others in your community. So if you’e launching those bottle rockets, keep in mind that the City requires you to wrap it up by 11PM, and if you’re waiting out the night with your furry friends, be aware, sooner or later you’re going to hear the echo of fireworks somewhere in town, and the streets will be full of young ghouls your dogs don’t know.

by Nathan Jordan

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Pet Owners and Firefighters brace for backyard Halloween Fireworks

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