The City of Surrey is increasing its fines ahead of Halloween for those who are caught selling or using fireworks without a permit.
It says the minimum penalty for a violation has jumped from 100 to 400 dollars and the maximum has increased from five thousand to 50-thousand dollars.
Mayor Brenda Locke says the increase in fines is in response to what she calls a "significant surge" of complaints ahead of Halloween and Diwali, noting the illegal use of fireworks can cause property damage as well as distress for animals.
The city says setting off fireworks in Surrey requires federal certification and permits from the Surrey Fire Service.
