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Old-timers will remember the days when they could light firecrackers and shoot off Roman candles with little thought about legalities.

But these days such actions are strictly illegal except, in some cities, around Halloween, July 1 and New Year's Eve and, then, only with a permit.

That means, if fireworks are going off in your neighbourhood this New Year's Eve, they’re likely illegal.

It appears that online ordering is about the only way to even buy the devices, and with good cause.

“There are a couple of websites out there so, if you want to buy family fireworks you can do that,” Gerry Johnson with Skyline Promotions of Kelowna told iNFOnews.ca. "They’re not cheap but they’re also not legal."

READ MORE: Where to see fireworks on New Years Eve in Kamloops, Okanagan

He’s often asked if he sells fireworks but he only puts on displays. Other than online, he’s not sure that there are any stores selling them in the region.

“These are explosives,” Johnson cautioned. “You can get hurt. I haven’t heard of any accidents but explosives are very dangerous. You have to be very careful.”

Skyline works with Big Bang out of Calgary and does events like Westside Days, Canada Day and, of course, New Year's.

Private partiers can hire him to come out and do a display but that costs a minimum of $2,500 for a two to four-minute display.

Provincial legislation, passed in 1979, restricts sales and discharge of fireworks between Oct. 24 and Nov. 1, but each municipality has its own regulations.

Kamloops, for example, also allows sales and setting off of fireworks between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Kelowna’s fireworks bylaw prohibits discharge after 11 p.m.

Even during those times, municipalities require a permit from their fire departments and insurance before allowing them to be lit.

While there’s generally no cost for the permits, they are detailed.

The Kelowna application form, for example, has a 10-point checklist that includes a site diagram, a description of the firing system and a list of all products, including charge size, effects and manufacturer’s name.

A fire safety plan must be included with locations of fire extinguishers along with where and how the fireworks are stored. Plus, a form has to be signed ensuring the city is not liable if anything goes wrong.

Even online order sites come with warnings.

Far Out Fireworks, for example, warns users to light only one at a time, don’t smoke while using them and keep a hose or pail of water handy.

It also warns that “duds” should not be relit. Instead, they need to be submerged in water for 20 minutes before being tossed.

Users should also wear protective glasses and stick around for half an hour afterwards before cleaning up and getting rid of the debris.

Fireworks enthusiasts can check out local displays. Most are at ski hills but there’s a New Year's Eve fireworks show at 9 p.m. in downtown Kelowna and another at Predator Ridge in Vernon.

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