Squamish RCMP is investigating after a rowdy night in Squamish's Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood Halloween night.
"Squamish RCMP received a high volume of calls, in the Garibaldi Highlands, reporting fireworks being shot at people, homes, and vehicles," the RCMP release sent out Nov. 1 states.
Police officers located approximately 100 youths setting off illegal fireworks, lighting fires, and causing mischief in the area.
Throughout the night, locals took to Squamish social media concerned with the number of youth setting off fireworks in the area.
That concern increased as the night wore on.
"A number of youths were physically and verbally aggressive towards police. Fireworks were directed at police and their vehicles and were set off. Additionally, some youths were in possession of bear spray, bear bangers, improvised explosive devices (IED) and [were] wearing balaclavas," the police say.
There were also reports of loud explosions in the area, which law enforcement believed were a result of explosions from improvised explosive devices (IED).
Several youths were arrested and later released into the care of their guardians.
No charges have been laid, but investigations are ongoing and officers will be following up on the evidence obtained at the time of the incidents, the RCMP release states.
Fireworks, bear spray and IEDs were seized by police to be safely disposed of.
This is not a case of kids being kids, the group or mob mentality took over and the lack of regard for any direction or guidance to leave the area were largely ignored,
said Squamish RCMP Staff Sgt. Gareth Bradley, in the release.
This is a very concerning trend and it is out of pure luck that no one was hurt from the explosive device.
In addition to the illegal use of fireworks, a District of Squamish map shows that 22 legal permits were held in the Garibaldi Highlands for Oct. 31; the most of any neighbourhood in town.
Mounties sent out additional resources in anticipation of increased call volume due to Halloween, the police news release states.
For its part, Squamish Fire Rescue members had a busy night as well. According to the District, firefighters dealt with two medical calls, one crash, one compressed gas call and one trail rescue.
"Although fireworks are enjoyable to watch, many people have been injured over time because of improper use," said Rachel Boguski, spokesperson for the municipality.
Squamish Fire Rescue urges the public to take all safety precautions when using fireworks and obtain the required permits through the District website, she added.
"No extra staff were on shift on Halloween, however all three companies were called to respond to different events throughout the night. No Firefighters were injured that night."
Last year, the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood saw more than 30 reports to RCMP of youth setting off firecrackers and causing a disturbance.
In 2023, responding officers estimated that there were about 400 youths in the area causing trouble, but no arrests were reported.
Officers did also seize large quantities of fireworks in 2023, from the Garibaldi Highlands and other local neighbourhoods.
*Please note, this story was updated after it was posted to include the information from the fire department, which was given to The Squamish Chief on Nov. 4.
