Fireworks Safety Tips

From the Office of the Fire Marshal

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.

The fire service suggests attending public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization.

If you still choose to have a family fireworks or informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations pertaining to the handling and discharging of fireworks for these activities. Here are some important safety tips to be followed:

	Handling and discharging of fireworks must only be done by adults. Appoint one person to be in charge, who knows about the hazards of fireworks and essential safety precautions.
	Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
	Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by.
	Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
	Light only one firework at a time, and never try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework, in your hand.
	Never re-light “dud” fireworks. It is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal garbage can.
	Never give sparklers to small children. While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they 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.
	If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.