Back in 1968, an after-dusk chorus of sirens from Ganges’ fire hall was the signal for islanders that Salt Spring’s first firefighter-run Halloween fireworks display was about to start.
It was an admittedly last-minute affair, according to contemporary reports in the Driftwood, making that year’s large turnout of “youngsters” all the more remarkable. By the next year, local fire crews decided to serve up hot dogs after the show ended, keeping the festive spirit alive a little later.
The rest, as they say, is history; and now, after 57 years, the traditional event will be held at the original Fire Hall No.1 for what is likely the final time as firefighters plan to move into their new hall by next year. It’s a moment coloured with more than a little nostalgia, particularly for the Salt Spring Island Fire Fighters’ Association (SSIFFA), who in partnership with the fire protection district have brought islanders this well-loved community event with care — and in tremendous safety — for decades.
It’s also a great excuse to make it the biggest show yet, according to SSIFFA president David Demner.
“I guess this year feels a little bit different,” said Demner, “so we’re looking at having a bit of a sendoff. We have around 200 fireworks we’re shooting off, and some of those cakes have like 100 shots inside them. It should be really big.”
It may seem a simple enough task to set off fireworks from the Harbour Authority’s Breakwater Dock, but it’s a well-organized and highly certified group of professionals running the show. Active-duty firefighters get training through the federal government’s Explosives Regulatory Division, first becoming certified as fireworks display assistants and then as supervisors.
“Then we’re coordinating with the Harbour Authority and the Coast Guard,” said Demner. “RCMSAR patrolling, making sure there’s no seaplanes at the dock. The nice thing is that we’ve been doing it for a while — at least 30 years — so we have everything well documented.”
The association starts planning early, with a subcommittee specifically meeting to plan for Halloween — from getting permits and insurance to budgeting fireworks purchases funded by firefighters’ contributions and a receipt box at Country Grocer.
“Fireworks people don’t exactly deliver to Salt Spring,” chuckled Demner. “Fortunately, one of our members has a boat.”
Long-time attendees might remember displays being staged from the entrance to Centennial Park — and, for that matter, firefighters helping manage bonfires where the Thrifty’s parking lot now sits. But attitudes on safety have evolved a bit, Demner said, as have regulations.
“We need a certain setback where there’s nothing flammable,” said Demner. “The dock is really the only place on Salt Spring where we can do it.”
Demner said both the association and the fire district want to send the message that fireworks are best left to professionals — and they believe the better the show is, the fewer people will be reckless with explosives on what is statistically a very dangerous night for injuries. Encouraging both fire safety and personal safety is a big goal for both organizations — and seeing how much the community enjoys the show is a bonus.
“We love being a part of everyone having fun in all their Halloween costumes,” said Demner. “You know, because I’m so focused on the fireworks, I get to enjoy it mostly after, when we’re giving out the hot dogs and hot chocolates.”
Demner said the best way islanders could help out is to just come and join the event — the more the merrier.
“Show up and be happy,” he said. “Bring your kids in their costumes. It really makes it all worthwhile.”
The 2025 Halloween fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.