The unofficial kick-off to summer arrives this Victoria Day weekend and fireworks are bound to fill the night sky. There are no fireworks at Chinguacousy Park this weekend so many residents may consider their own backyard displays.
Please take extra caution and ensure to have a permit if you plan on lighting your own fireworks. Last October, 3 homes were damaged by fire on Binder Twine Trail. The Fire Marshall declared the cause to be the improper disposal of fireworks. It is important to understand that restrictions on where fireworks can be lit are in place for everyone’s safety, including your neighbours.
City of Brampton issued permits are available at no cost and can be requested online at the City’s website. The city requests that applications be submitted 2 weeks prior and no later than 2 days. Keep in mind that the City is in the process of reviewing it’s fireworks bylaws.
To be eligible, your property’s lot must be at least 18 meters or 60 feet wide at the front. Fireworks are not permitted on public property such as schools, parks, streets or sidewalks.
Fireworks are a great way to entertain family and friends when done safely. Think twice about local pop-up vendors advice on who can handle fireworks and what the local regulations are. Take precautions as the lives of loved ones and neighbours are at stake. The Canada Safety Council recommends the following fireworks safety tips be followed.
Purchasing
- Purchase your fireworks from a reliable source that sells products meeting safety standards.
- Stay away from illegal explosives or firecrackers and do not improvise and make your own fireworks.
- Follow the laws and regulations regarding the use of fireworks.
Setting Up
- Read the Instructions, this is worth repeating: read the instructions, cautions and warnings on each firework item.
- Store unused fireworks in a closed box away from the firework being lit and do not smoke around the fireworks.
- Set up outdoors in a clear, open space. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure stability.
- Check the wind and have the wind blowing away from the spectators.
- Spectators should be at least the safety distance written on the fireworks label away from the display, keeping special supervision on children.
- Have a bucket of sand, supply of water and a working fire extinguisher on hand.
Fireworks Show
- Only adults (18 years or over) should handle the fireworks. If you are impaired (alcohol or drugs) do not handle the fireworks.
- Light only one firework item at a time.
- Wear protective eye glasses and gloves. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
- Never lean over the fireworks and keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
- Never attempt to re-light a “dud” or defective firework.
- Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand.
Disposal
- Sparklers should be immersed in a bucket of sand to cool down after burning out, as they remain very hot for some time.
- Fireworks should be disposed of safely and properly.
Enjoy this weekend and be safe.
