On the recommendation of Esquimalt Fire Chief Matt Furlot, the annual Halloween bonfire has been cancelled permanently by the Township’s council.
Furlot’s recommendation came based on the various risks associated with the bonfire that has historically taken place since 1938.
The last year the bonfire took place was in 2020.
In past years the bonfire took place, community members could donate or bring wood to add to the fire, which prompted much of Furlot’s concerns.
In a detailed staff report submitted to the Esquimalt council, Furlot drew attention to the health risks of burning wooden pallets treated with harmful chemicals and paint, the environmental risks of air pollution, water contamination and hazardous byproducts created by the bonfire as well as WorkSafeBC compliance issues that come with managing the bonfire.
In recent years, the bonfire tradition has been replaced with the ‘Halloween Spooktacular’, which by contrast, Furlot says offers a safe, controlled and festive community event that promotes positive public engagement and aligns with the values of the fire department.
“The risks posed by the Community Bonfire event are substantial and difficult to mitigate effectively,” reads Furlot’s recommendation.
“By continuing with the Halloween Spooktacular and other similar events, the Township can ensure that community gatherings are both safe and enjoyable for all participants.”
In the council meeting, Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins echoed the Fire Chief’s concerns and the notion that the Halloween Spooktacular is the better avenue for community members to celebrate safely.
“Speaking about climate change, speaking about the fires that we’ve had in BC, I really feel that this is the right step, the only step that we should take, which is to ban [the bonfire] and continue to move forward on other events,” said Mayor Desjardins.
“It will be safer for our community in terms of their health, it will be safer for our firefighters.”
She also noted that the Township has officially declared a climate emergency, and that helped inform her decision in ending the bonfire tradition.
In the end, council voted unanimously in favour of ending the bonfire permanently.
Though the Esquimalt council acknowledged the bonfire was a popular event, they decided to prioritize safety in the end.
“I think in terms of moving forward, we celebrate the nostalgia, but we let it go for the good reasons that we have heard and we look to developing those new events,” Desjardins stated.
The Halloween Spooktacular, which replaced the bonfire is taking place at 1151 Esquimalt Road, the Esquimalt Fire Hall on October 31st, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
At this event there will be activities for all-ages and a concession open for food and snacks, according to the Township.
