If you plan on using fireworks this May long weekend, follow these safety tips

Don't forget, you'll need a permit from the City of Vaughan to set off fireworks, writes Andrew Zvanitajs

Yorkregion.com
May 18, 2022

The May long weekend is quickly approaching and, as the unofficial start to summer, many people may be preparing to celebrate with barbecues, road trips or fireworks.

In Vaughan, fireworks are only allowed on Victoria Day and Canada Day, according to the City of Vaughan’s fireworks and pyrotechnics bylaw. Residents must obtain a fireworks display permit from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service to use fireworks on any other day.

If you are planning to set off fireworks, there are some tips you need to know in advance to protect yourself, your spectators and your property.

• Before you begin, read all firework label directions to understand how every product is supposed to perform and the hazards associated with each type of firework.

• You can only set off fireworks on your property. It is illegal to set off fireworks in a park, roadway, sidewalk or other public area. Designate an outdoor area on your property that’s at least 30 metres by 30 metres, and is away from buildings, overhead wires, vehicles and combustible materials like trees, dry grass and bushes.

• Keep spectators at least 20 metres away and upwind from the ignitor site. Keep a garden hose, fire extinguisher and buckets of water and sand nearby in the event of a fire.

• During the show, always ignite fireworks from a bucket of sand, never from your hand. Only adults (aged 18 years or over) should handle fireworks. They should also wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing.

• Never reignite a firework that didn’t go off properly. If an item doesn’t light easily, or lights and then fizzles out, don’t approach the piece for 30 minutes. Soak it in a bucket of water, then throw it away. It’s also important to keep unlit fireworks away from your firing area and in a securely covered box so stray sparks cannot get inside.

• Once you are done, soak used fireworks in water before putting them in a trash can and clean up all debris. Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place, preferably in a locked area outside your home. Never allow smoking anywhere near where fireworks are stored, set up or being used.

Sparklers seem like a fun activity for kids; however, never give sparklers or fireworks to anyone under 18 years old. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees Celsius and the wire remains hot after burning out. Immediately put it in a bucket of water or sand to avoid injury or a secondary fire from a still hot sparkler.

For more information about firework safety, permits and the fireworks and pyrotechnics bylaw, visit vaughan.ca/fireworks. To report firework misuse, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281.

Start the summer off right by exercising caution around fireworks and following proper usage tips.

Andrew Zvanitajs is the fire chief of the Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service.