Fireworks Pose Serious Risks

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Office of the Fire Marshal	Ministère de la Sécurité communautaire et des Services correctionnels Bureau du commissaire des incendies
Place Nouveau Building 7th Floor 5775 Yonge Street North York ON M2M 4J1 Telephone 416-325-3100 Facsimile: 416-325-3162	Édifice Place Nouveau 7^eétage 5775 rue Yonge North York ON M2M 4J1 Téléphone: 416-325-3100 Télécopieur: 416-325-3162

TORONTO - August 1, 2007 – To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries this long holiday weekend, Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke is urging Ontario residents to attend fireworks displays hosted by their local municipalities.

“Many municipalities now host fireworks displays with certified experts who are trained to handle and discharge fireworks safely,” says Burke. “For others, fireworks are extremely dangerous and for this reason, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.”

For those still choosing to have family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has developed a Fireworks Safety Tips sheet. Important safety precautions like carefully reading and following the directions on fireworks packaging, keeping a water hose or pail of water available and never giving sparklers to young children are some of the tips to ensure fireworks are safe for everyone.

Other important fireworks safety tips include appointing a responsible person to be in charge of the display, discharging fireworks away from anything that can burn, keeping onlookers a safe distance away and never trying to light or hold a lit firework in one’s hand. If someone does get injured, they are advised to run cool water over the burn wounds for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

“Everyone must take the responsibility to ensure their family’s safety if they plan to discharge fireworks,” continued Burke. “To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries in their backyards, Ontario residents should follow the OFM Fireworks Safety Tips sheet and always keep fireworks away from young children.”

To arrange interviews contact:
Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Chris Slosser, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3120

Fireworks Safety Tips

	To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.
	The fire service recommends attending public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization.
	If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations regarding fireworks. Here are some important safety tips to be followed:
		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 re-light 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.
		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.
		If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

For more information, please contact:
Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Chris Slosser, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3120