The City of Calgary is reminding citizens to not use fireworks during holiday celebrations — saying multiple fires were sparked by them over the weekend. Police received 49 fireworks-related calls on Sunday — the night of Diwali — while the City of Calgary got 13 reports of fireworks through 311. The Calgary Fire Department, meanwhile, responded to two grass fires and two dumpster fires they say were fireworks related. Officials issued four bylaw tickets in addition to 70 warnings. On Saturday, the city says five reports of fireworks were received, and the fire department responded to one fireworks-related grass fire in Panorama Hills. Officials issued three bylaw tickets were issued. In 2025 over the full Diwali period, Calgary police received 167 fireworks-related calls, and The City received 44 fireworks-related 311 service requests. Fireworks fines Calgarians caught setting off fireworks this year will see increased fines. It used to be that setting off fireworks without a permit could cost you $500. Now, that fine has doubled to $1,000, thanks to changes to Calgary’s Fire Operations and Fees bylaw. The same bylaw that prohibits setting off fireworks within city limits without a permit also prohibits the sale or purchase of fireworks, including firecrackers, consumer fireworks like Roman candles and display fireworks like waterfalls and multi-shot cakes. Selling or offering fireworks for sale without authorization comes with a $3,000 fine. Possessing fireworks in a public place can also net you a $1,000 fine. How to celebrate safety Instead of using fireworks during holiday celebrations, residents are encourages to light diyas safely, use LED candles, decorate with festive lights, attend community celebrations and gather with family and friends. Small birthday cake sparklers are exempt from the bylaw but must be used safely and responsibly. For more information on fireworks use in Calgary, you can visit Calgary.ca.
