The Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services are concerned about an increase in the use of a larger, more harmful firecracker this Halloween.
According to Captain Gabe Roder of the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, there has been an increase in the use of M-80s, an explosive traditionally used by hunters and fishermen to scare away bears and seals.
The large firecrackers, which are illegal in Canada, can blow off fingers and can send dust particles into the air causing permanent blindness.
Adam Felardeau, a grade 11 Vancouver youth, lost two fingertips during his first experience with the explosives.
“It blew up in my hand and it was the loudest noise I had ever heard,” said Felardeau. “(The image) will never leave my mind – I looked down and could see the skin on the other side of my hand.”
After five days in hospital and a year of physiotherapy, Felardeau hopes his experience will make youth think twice about using firecrackers.
“My one mistake that I did is still haunting me two years later,” he said.
The VPD also reminds the public to be cautious on Halloween and to report any suspicious behaviour.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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