Fireworks allowed in Thunder bay despite fire ban

Those staying in the city for the May Long Weekend are free to celebrate the holiday with a fireworks show.

Anyone heading out into the region isn't so lucky, however.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reinstated a city-wide fire ban on Friday morning. That affects all burning permits, which have been suspended until further notice.

Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio confirmed Friday, however, that fireworks are not prohibited under the ban.

That came as good news to city fireworks retailers, who are only allowed to sell fireworks at certain times of the year.

Bob Hoffman, co-owner of Fireworks Unlimited, said there are five holidays where selling and using fireworks are allowed within city limits: Victoria Day, Canada Day, the August Civic Holiday, Labour Day and New Year's Eve.

"I start selling six days before," Hoffman said. "And you can blow fireworks up . . . three days before the holiday, and the day of the holiday, as per our city bylaw. You can do it one day following the holiday if it rains."

Hoffman said even if the fire ban had affected firework use in the city, it wouldn't have had too big of an impact on business, and Victoria Day tends to be a bit slower when compared to the rest of the holidays.

"This isn't the biggest holiday here," he said. "In Toronto, May Long Weekend is really big. This is probably the slowest time for us, depending on the weather."

Under an ongoingMinistry of Natural Resources fire ban affecting much ofNorthwestern Ontario, however,fireworks are prohibited in the region until further notice.

Those hoping to usefireworks at camp this weekend didn't waste their money, though, Hoffman said.

"They last up to at least a year, and they stay in good condition, as long as you keep them dry," he said.