Markham residents urged to follow fireworks rules this Labour Day weekend to avoid fires, fines and folly

Permits and permission required; violators may be fined up to $5,000 under the Provincial Offences Act

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 1, 2021
Heidi Riedner

As the Labour Day long weekend approaches, the city and Markham Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) remind residents to keep themselves and Markham safe by following the fireworks rules, which includes applying for a Family Fireworks Permit ahead of time.

Applications for Family Fireworks Permits must be made online at least seven days before the planned event date.

Violators may be fined up to $5,000 under the Provincial Offences Act.

“Fireworks are very attractive during summer holidays and we all enjoy them -- when they are handled safely and responsibly,” said Markham Fire and Emergency Services Fire Chief Adam Grant.

“By obtaining a permit for Family Fireworks, we can ensure that all fireworks are both used safely and disposed of properly.”

Family fireworks may only be set off on private property and with permission from the property owner.

Fireworks may not be set off on city property, which includes parks, fields and roads.

Scorched trees and burned waste bins were discovered in Markham’s parks that were caused by the improper use and disposal of family fireworks this past Canada Day.

Visit markham.ca/fireworks for more information on how to safely use and dispose of fireworks, and visit markham.ca/fire for additional fire safety tips.