Consumer fireworks are often discharged at special events such as Canada Day, Eid, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and other private celebratory events. To sell, purchase or set off fireworks in Strathcona County, you must have a valid fireworks permit. While there is no charge for obtaining a fireworks permit, there are penalties for discharging without one or for being in violation of a fireworks permit regulation.

Here are some important things to know, before you let them go!

Apply for your fireworks permit online

Take advantage of this quick and easy permit processing. Please allow at least two business days (and up to five days before major holidays) prior to your event for your permit to be processed. Once your application has been received, a safety codes officer will contact you. You can log in anytime to check the status and see progress updates. 

Apply for your permit

Please note, firework permits are no longer issued in-person. If you need assistance, please contact Strathcona County Fire Prevention at 780-449-9651 or by email

Important fireworks information

 

 

• Firework permits are valid for one year from the date of approval.
• Fireworks may only be discharged on private rural properties.
• Fireworks are not allowed in hamlets including:
  • Sherwood Park 
  • Antler Lake
  • Ardrossan
  • Collingwood Cove
  • Half Moon Lake
  • Hastings Lake
  • Josephburg
  • North and South Cooking Lake
• Applicants must be the legal landowner, or have written permission from the legal landowner to obtain a fireworks permit.
• Prior to each discharge, residents must either call or text the Burning Status Line to confirm if burning is allowed. The burning status may change based on current or forecasted environmental conditions in the County. Conditions are monitored hourly between 6 a.m. and midnight. 

NEW phone number! Call or text "BURN" to the Burning Status Line at 1-844-414-BURN(2876) to receive an immediate reply. 

Regulatory requirements

The sale and use of fireworks is regulated within Strathcona County by three acts of legislation, including the Alberta Fire Code and federal law. The Fire Prevention division issues permits for all pyrotechnics, including consumer and display fireworks.

Fireworks Bylaw 35-2019

Consumer fireworks can be privately purchased, possessed or discharged by residents in Strathcona County with a valid fireworks permit.

Display fireworks are the type used in municipal celebrations such as New Year's Eve or Canada Day.

Special effect pyrotechnics are designed for use by professionals. This class also includes special purpose pyrotechnics manufactured for live stage, film and television industries. Permits for display and pyrotechnic fireworks are only given to licensed pyrotechnic professionals and only at the Fire Marshal's discretion.

The use of "firecrackers" is strictly prohibited and illegal at all times in Alberta. Flying or sky lanterns have been determined to create a potentially uncontrolled and unsafe condition. Therefore, under Section 9 of the Safety Codes Act, they are not acceptable for sale or use in Alberta.

Disposing fireworks

Once your celebration is over, fireworks can be a mess to clean up. Fireworks, when incorrectly disposed of, can be dangerous to you, the individuals who handle your waste, and the environment. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe disposal.

Below are best practices for disposal of used and unused fireworks:

1. Submerge and soak fireworks (including all cardboard) in a bucket of water for at least 15 minutes. Soak overnight if possible.
2. It is important to soak fireworks that did not discharge. Never try to relight a misfire – wait 20 minutes after the failed detonation and soak fireworks in water overnight.
3. Place fireworks in a plastic bag to maintain moisture (double bag if possible)
4. Safely dispose of fireworks in your black garbage cart. These items cannot be recycled or composted.