Tips for protecting yourself when using fireworks this long weekend

Without proper precautions, a celebration can quickly become a disaster, writes Andrew Zvanitajs

Yorkregion.com
May 17, 2023

This spring and summer, I urge you to keep fire safety in mind while enjoying the warm weather with family and friends. Because without proper precautions, a celebration can quickly become a disaster -- especially if you’re handling fireworks.

In Vaughan, fireworks are only allowed without a permit on Victoria Day and Canada Day, according to the City of Vaughan’s fireworks and pyrotechnics bylaw. You must obtain a fireworks display permit from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service to use fireworks on any other day.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself, your spectators and your property if you plan to set off fireworks this long weekend.

READ THE LABELS

Carefully read the directions on every firework before you light it. This will help you understand how each one is supposed to perform and the hazards associated with them.

SET UP YOUR SITE

You can only set off fireworks on private property with the owner’s consent. It is illegal to set off fireworks in a park, roadway, sidewalk or any other public space. 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. Have a garden hose, fire extinguisher and buckets of water and sand nearby in the event a fire starts.

USE A BUCKET OF SAND, NOT YOUR HAND

Always ignite fireworks from a bucket of sand, never from your hand. Only adults (aged 18 years or older) should handle fireworks -- and only while wearing eye protection and non-flammable clothing.

DITCH THE DUDS

Never reignite a firework that didn’t go off properly. If it doesn’t light easily or lights and then fizzles out, don’t approach the firework for at least 30 minutes.

DISPOSE OF AND STORE FIREWORKS PROPERLY

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 anyone to smoke anywhere near where fireworks are stored or being used.

SWAP THE SPARKLERS FOR SOMETHING SAFER

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Never give sparklers to anyone under 18 years old. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 C, and the wire remains hot even after they burn out. Instead, use glow sticks. They are safer, last longer and are fun for all ages.

As you prepare for the May long weekend and start making your summer plans, remember to celebrate safely.

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

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