FIREWORK PERMITS –  New Years, Halloween, Diwali & any other party time!

UPDATE: January 29, 2025

With many residents about to celebrate New Years we remind you to be respectful of neighbours and know the rules around when you can set fireworks off and the requirement for a permit.

September 18, 2024

Residents,  this is an update from the City of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. Please follow the permitting process if you are setting off fireworks. My office receives many calls around this time of year about fireworks being set off at all hours of the night. Please follow City permitting rules and please be respectful of your neighbours.

Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service reminds residents to have a permit and be safe when setting off fireworks. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is reminding residents to get a permit if they plan to set off fireworks to celebrate Halloween and Diwali on October 31.

To be eligible for a permit, residents must:

• Be 18 years or older;
• Have 100-feet of clearance from all buildings and trees. Most private properties in Winnipeg do not meet this need; and,
• Have written consent of the property owner.

Residents who plan to set off fireworks as part of a City park rental also need a fireworks permit.

The free permits are required for setting off all consumer fireworks. All permits are reviewed by the WFPS Fire Prevention Branch. Residents can apply for a permit online.

Residents who set off fireworks without a permit may be fined up to $500.

In addition to ensuring a permit is in place, the WFPS reminds residents to follow these safety tips when setting fireworks off:

• Always read your Fireworks Permit to ensure you are following all applicable conditions.
• Only adults 18 years or over should handle fireworks.
• Only use fireworks purchased in Canada, meeting all safety standards.
• Read all instructions, cautions, and warnings on each firework product.
• Always check wind direction and wind speeds before setting off fireworks; they should always be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators and closest structures – never set off fireworks in strong winds.
• Set up outdoors in a clear, open space, and light fireworks on a hard, flat, and level surface to ensure stability.
• Have a bucket of sand, supply of water, and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
• Never attempt to re-light a ‘dud’ or defective firework or hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
• Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly, and any unused fireworks should be stored in a closed container.

Never use firecrackers – which are loud, explosive fireworks, typically wrapped in paper and lit with a fuse. Firecrackers are illegal in Canada.