Fireworks spark 167 complaints and two fires this week

The City of Calgary is stepping up enforcement and safety warnings after a surge in fireworks-related incidents. (Magda Ehlers/Pexels).

The City of Calgary is stepping up enforcement and safety warnings after a surge in fireworks-related incidents.

Between Monday and Wednesday, there were two fires and 167 complaints made to police.

Officials are warning that consumer fireworks are illegal to set off without a permit.

Fire crews responded to a vehicle fire on Monday night in the community of Cornerstone.

The fire caused around $30,000 in damage.

The cause is being linked to a lit firework landing in the wheel well, according to the fire department.

On Tuesday night, firefighters battled a fourth-floor balcony fire at a multi-unit complex on 80th Avenue N.E.

A planter pot was found smouldering and investigators believe a firework landed on the balcony.

The fire was contained to the balcony and no one was hurt.

Police say the majority of the 167 complaints were in the northeast communities of Redstone, Cornerstone and Saddle Ridge.

One ticket for discharging fireworks and 32 verbal warnings have been given.

Three businesses have been charged for selling fireworks without a permit.

Roughly 60 pounds of fireworks were voluntarily surrendered or abandoned when officers were spotted.

Anyone caught in violation will face stiff fines such as:

• possession of fireworks without a permit (minimum fine of $500);
• use of fireworks without a permit (minimum fine of $250); and/or
• sale of fireworks without a permit (minimum fine of $250).

Anyone who sees fireworks being set off should report the incident to 311.

Over the next several nights, education and enforcement teams will be visible in the community.