The Meadow Lake RCMP are adopting a more strict approach to illegal fireworks complaints. (File photo/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By meadowlakeNOW staff

Illegal Fireworks

Meadow Lake RCMP implementing zero-tolerance illegal fireworks enforcement

Nov 4, 2021 | 12:37 PM

The Meadow Lake RCMP is reminding the community that setting off fireworks within city limits is illegal and can result in charges being pressed.

Throughout the first three days of November, police have responded to two complaints of gunshots reportedly being fired in the community.

Following immediate priority responses from officers in both incidents, officials were able to determine both instances were actually cases of people setting off fireworks in the community.

While one was part of a cultural celebration, the other was a situation involving minors who fled on foot.

Meadow Lake RCMP Commander Ryan How explained these situations demand an immediate response from officers to address the risk to the community.

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He also mentioned enforcement in these situations will be more firm moving forward as the incidents have been repetitious despite taking an educational approach.

“This problem has become far more than a prank and a nuisance in the city and could have serious consequences,” he said.

“Direction has been given to the members that the time for education is over. There will be no discretion if anyone is caught setting off fireworks in the city as the results of this behaviour are becoming too serious.”

He stated future incidents will result in criminal charges being laid and the accused will be required to appear in court. Charges can include mischief, causing a disturbance or others depending on the severity of the situation.

The development comes at a time where the provincial government and the local detachment are adding resources and implementing new initiatives to reduce the prominence of gangs and violence in the community.

Those who plan on setting off fireworks are required to consult the City to obtain necessary permissions or permits beforehand.

How stated these incidents could have resulted in nearby schools entering a lockdown if responders weren’t able to determine the location of the disturbance and whether the situation involved gunfire.

“The community is frustrated as are the police. We have worked very hard to suppress gang/gun violence and this behaviour continues to scare and victimize citizens because it is impossible to distinguish the sound of a firework from a gunshot,” he said.

“I can’t stress enough how dangerous it is for police to respond with lights and sirens to a complaint of ‘gunshots’ through busy traffic. It puts everyone at risk.”

To continue informing residents of laws associated with fireworks, officials will offer local firework vendors materials that include information on current city bylaws and criminal consequences they can provide to clients.

Police will also request they implement more stringent requirements for their sales.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @meadowlakeNOW