Halifax Business Stops Selling Fireworks During Wildfires
HALIFAX–Out-of-control wildfires have engulfed about 18,000 hectares of woodland in Nova Scotia in less than four days. Almost every Nova Scotian is right now focused not making things worse. People have been reminded, on top of burning bans, to not do something stupid like flicking lit cigarettes out of windows or starting a new fire.
One business owner in Dartmouth is making a financial sacrifice to try and prevent another fire. Amazing Savingz Warehouse, located on Akerley Blvd, sells a variety of discount items, including mattresses, furniture, and refurbished appliances. They have also become a popular destination for fireworks.
But on May 30 the warehouse announced it was self-banning the sale of fireworks until the forest fire situation has improved. The owner of Amazing Savingz, John Hiltz, said the decision came from a conversation he had with a manager.
“Well, oddly enough, I thought about it [Monday]. And then I came in [Tuesday] and my manager, Ross Davis said ‘what do you think about fireworks?’ and I said, ‘you know, it’s funny. I was thinking about it yesterday and it just doesn’t seem appropriate to me, given the circumstances, that we should be selling,’” recalled Hiltz.
It turns out the self-ban was prudent. The same day they stopped selling fireworks, they had a customer ask to buy them.
The Province announced on May 29 that the use of fireworks was banned due to the wildfires. But the ban did not prohibit businesses from selling them. This caused a minor social media stir this week when someone posted a photo of a fireworks display still up at a Halifax-area Walmart. The user later updated his post to say that the display was removed.
It is clear that the wildfire situation may be a threat in the immediate future. Depending on how many days or weeks it burns for, it could impact the bottom line for Amazing Savingz. Canada Day is just a month away.
“It’s really seasonal. I mean, the two big days are July the first and New Year’s Eve,” said Hiltz. “We’re known as a destination for fireworks, especially for the larger fireworks occasions, and those two are the biggest ones.”
One may think that people wouldn’t dare do anything that could start another fire in Nova Scotia. But Premier Tim Houston says this week more than a dozen outdoor fires have been reported. The province has upped the fine tremendously for breaking the burning ban: from $237.50 to $25,000.
“We need all Nova Scotians to take the wildfire situation as seriously as we are. We are still finding cases of illegal burning, and it has to stop,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables in a recent press release. “We’re taking every measure to prevent new fires from starting. All Nova Scotians need to do their part – follow the burn ban, stay out of the woods and help keep your families and communities safe.”
Nova Scotia has also taken other unprecedented measures to prevent more fires. Outdoor activities in the woods, such as camping, hiking, fishing, and ATV riding are banned.
Hiltz is not just a business owner witnessing what is happening from afar. He and his family have been affected by the fires.
“There is a personal spin on this. Although it’s really nothing to do with [the fireworks sale ban], but we don’t know whether my brother lost his house yet,” said Hiltz, whose brother lives in the Clyde River area. “It is extremely stressful. The phone calls are fast and furious between family members trying to find out what the reality is. We just don’t know, and we don’t know when we will know.”
“It’s a very traumatic experience for everyone. I think the whole province is on edge. I know I am. And not because of family experience, just in general. The potential danger is everywhere.”
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].
