Vaughan family's Victoria Day firework celebration grows out of control

Vaughan firefighter says fireworks can be more dangerous than you can imagine

Yorkregion.com
May 27, 2021
Jeremy Grimaldi

A firefighter is speaking out after a Vaughan family saw for themselves the inherent danger in pyrotechnics after hosting Victoria Day fireworks celebrations outside their home.

For a while the Instagram video shows the fireworks shooting upward as planned. However eventually the base, which is sitting on road pavement, turns over on its side and it quickly begins to explode all over the street and neighbouring property.

Mark Wilson, who has worked for Vaughan Fire since 1997 and is the president of the Vaughan Professional Fire Fighters Association, said the video shows that pyrotechnic displays should be done by professionals only.

He said the conditions this May long weekend were far different from past years.

Wilson said one frightening example he witnessed occurred in Ottawa where the fire department was called out to deal with eight grass fires because families went to the parks to light fireworks and the grass was extremely dry from a lack of rain.

"There's not a lot of public information on how to do it properly," he added. "Fireworks are dangerous and there are plenty of reported and unreported injuries as a result of fireworks."

He's not wrong. Statistics from the International Association of Fire Fighters reveal 10,000 people are injured by fireworks annually in Canada and the United States.

YorkRegion.com released a number of tips from Central York Fire Services recently, including the following:

You are only permitted to use fireworks on your own property and only if the front of your property is a minimum of 18 meters wide. If you are renting, you must have written permission from the homeowner to use fireworks.

Fireworks are only permitted on specific dates per town.

Only use fireworks between dusk (around 9:30 p.m.) and 11 p.m.

You must be 18 or older to discharge fireworks.
Buy from a reliable source. Steer clear of illegal explosives and never make your own. Only sparkler fireworks, fountain fireworks, roman candles and pinwheel fireworks are allowable for general consumer sale and use.

Handle with caution. Fireworks must be handled by an adult. Carefully read and follow directions on the label of fireworks packaging.

Only use fireworks outside and have a water source handy and ready to use (buckets of water or a garden hose turned on). Be aware and cautious of surrounding dry vegetation, which can be flammable.

Keep children far away from the discharge site.

Always aim the fireworks away from people and buildings.

Never hold the fireworks in your hand when lighting or discharging.

Do not smoke while handling or near fireworks.

Light only one firework at a time.

Never set off fireworks during strong winds.

Never relight a dud firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak the dud in a bucket of water.

Wear eye protection.

Never have any part of your body over the firework

For clean up and disposal, pick up debris when finished and check for embers or smouldering materials. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper disposal of fireworks.