Halloween Bonfires

• You may have a Halloween bonfire on October 31 only, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
• A special $10 bonfire permit is required.
• Bonfire permits are available by email or call (250) 475-5500, Monday - Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• When applying for a bonfire permit, please provide the permittee’s name, address, contact phone number and the size of the fire (either up to 1 metre or up to 2 metres).
• Fires between 1 metre (3 feet) and 2 metres (6 feet) in diameter must be inspected.

The deadline to get a bonfire permit is 12 p.m. on October 31.

Bonfire Permit Conditions

• The fire is to be supervised by a competent person until extinguished.
• The fire is to be situated at least 7.6 metres (25 feet) from any building, fence or property line.
• The size of an open fire shall be less than 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter. Fires between 1 metre (3 feet) and 2 metres (6 feet) in diameter must be inspected.
• A garden hose, hooked up and charged, is readily available.
• Additional equipment (shovels, rakes, etc.) is readily available.
• The fire is completely extinguished by 11 p.m.

A municipal ticket for $100 will be issued for any fires without permits.

Fireworks

Fireworks Regulation Bylaw No. 8865 regulates the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks in Saanich.

Fireworks Restrictions

• You can set off fireworks on October 31 only, between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• You need a fireworks permit to possess or discharge fireworks in Saanich.
• We issue permits to those 18 years and older who successfully complete a Saanich Fire Department fireworks safety course within the last three years.
• You may not buy or sell fireworks in Saanich.

Apply for a fireworks permit

1. Complete a Schedule A - Fireworks Permit Application.
2. If your fireworks event is occuring on another person's property, complete a Property Owner Agreement Schedule C - Property Owner Agreement for Fireworks.
3. If you have not completed a fireworks safety course in the last 3 years, review the Fire Department's 2023 Fireworks Safety Course.
4. Complete the Fireworks Safety Exam.
5. Save and email your completed Fireworks Application Form, Property Owner Agreement (if applicable) and Fireworks Safety Exam to fireprevention@saanich.ca.
6. Fire Department staff will confirm receipt and provide directions for fireworks permit payment and pickup.

The deadline to get a fireworks permit is 12 p.m. on October 31.

Fireworks Safety 

• Choose a safe outdoor area. Ideally it’s a bare area of ground away from buildings, overhead obstructions, trees, vehicles, dry grass and other flammables.
• Have spectators watch from a safe distance of at least 20 metres.
• Use a lighting stick to light fireworks, rather than matches or lighters.
• Have a large bucket of water, sand or a garden hose ready at the fire site.
• Leave “duds” untouched for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Dispose spent firework casings in a container of water.

Remember the 3 “Nevers”

• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone or anything – people, pets, cars or buildings.
• Never hold fireworks in your hand while lighting them.
• Never attempt to re-light or move fireworks that fail to go off.