Stouffville Fire Department urges residents to opt for virtual fireworks on Canada Day

Yorkreigon.com
July 2, 2021

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is not hosting a fireworks display on Canada Day

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries this upcoming Canada Day weekend, Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire and Emergency Services is urging residents to opt for virtual fireworks or socially distanced displays by trained professionals rather than informal neighbourhood or family displays.

“The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville will not be hosting fireworks displays this Canada Day,” Fire and Emergency Services Chief Bill Snowball said. “Typically, the town would host a display by experts who are trained to handle and discharge fireworks safely, but due to COVID-19 it is cancelled this year. Although discouraged, if you choose to perform your own fireworks display, please follow all safety protocols and regulations.”

Family fireworks can only be set off on Canada Day (July 1) or the two days immediately preceding or following the holiday, except with special permission granted in writing by the Fire Chief.

If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, please read these important safety tips to be followed when viewing and participating in firework displays:

• Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.

• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.

• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.

• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.

• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.

• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

• Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or relight dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.

• Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

For virtual fireworks celebrations, the Department of Canadian Heritage is offering all Canadians a free virtual fireworks show as well as a Canada Day Celebration Kit on July 1. Residents can visit www.canada.ca/canadaday for more information.