Edmonton firefighters battle 3 grass fires linked to ‘unpermitted’ fireworks on Diwali
Posted November 9, 2026 1:01 pm.
A weekend of Diwali celebrations turned into chaos across several neighbourhoods in south Edmonton.
Of the 23 fireworks-related calls received by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS), firefighters were dispatched to three grass fires that resulted from “unpermitted fireworks.”
Those grass fires were near 41 Avenue and 34 Street SW; 34 Avenue and Meridian Street; and 34 Avenue and Calgary Trail.
“Crews successfully contained the fires and protected surrounding properties,” EFRS told CityNews in a statement.
EFRS says all remaining calls were forwarded to “other appropriate teams for follow-up and investigation.”
One of the grass fires was just a few metres away from the backyard fence of Tara Hoffman, who lives in the southwest Edmonton neighbourhood of Ermineskin. She called the fire department when she saw the flames.
“I saw sparklers of white and red and my dog was barking and losing her mind,” Hoffman told CityNews.
“She was actively trying to charge the fence, but also cowering and trying to get away because she also saw the sparklers and the fire.”
WATCH: An Edmonton firefighter working to put out a grass fire caused by fireworks. (Supplied)
In an video posted to the Millwoods Community Group Facebook page, a doorbell camera appears to capture the moment fireworks — very close to homes — start small fires near a fence. Individuals in the video can be seen rushing to stamp out the flames.
A community leader in Mill Woods is calling for stricter laws on fireworks, saying both municipal and provincial governments have to do more to stop the illegal use of fireworks.
“Our laws need to consistent all over the province,” said Varinder Bhullar. “Doesn’t matter where you’re living. Our leaders need to work together. Don’t sell these fireworks unless they have permits. And if someone is doing it, then they need to pay the consequences.”
Only those with an EFRS permit are allowed to use fireworks in Edmonton. The City of Edmonton is asking residents to adhere to the city’s firework rules, or risk a fine up to $10,000 and potential criminal charges.
“We are having drier seasons,” said Hoffman. “There needs to be provisions in place so that we can prevent and do harm reduction. “And I don’t think that how this was managed yesterday because of the current rules is a good example.”
Diwali has been celebrated in India for thousands of years. Also known as the festival of lights, it’s observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The festivities end Wednesday.
