Oshawa Fire Services (OFS) and Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES), both are reminding Durham residents of fireworks safety tips for Canada Day.
Keep fire safety and consideration of your neighbours in mind when lighting fireworks, said OFS.
In Oshawa, any persons discharging consumer fireworks must adhere to all guidelines outlined in section 8 of Fireworks By-law #49-2021 and only between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Canada Day. The use of fireworks outside the allotted time period on Canada Day can result in fines of up to $25,000. Learn more, including prohibited activities, by reviewing the City’s Fireworks By-law #49-2021.
Fireworks safety reminders:
- 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 located 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 is burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and if necessary seek medical attention.
Be a considerate neighbour
Oshawa’s by-laws regulate the use of fireworks in a way that is intended to be considerate of the community as a whole. Other ways to be a good neighbour include:
- Communicating your plans with your neighbours ahead of time
- Be aware of pets, they often become frightened by the sounds
- Enjoying the fireworks within the permitted time period
- Safely clean up and dispose of firework fall out
Other safety tips to enjoy a safe Canada Day:
- When lighting candles or small oil lamps, keep flames at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, decorations and loose clothing. Always be sure to extinguish before leaving the room or going to bed
- Keep candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces with a glass chimney or shade over it.
- Cooking safety – clear the area of items that might catch fire easily. Never leave cooking unattended. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside all sleeping areas and install carbon monoxide alarms outside any sleeping areas. Test your alarms monthly.
Don’t use fireworks or attend neighbourhood displays
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services is asking residents to refrain from using fireworks or attending informal neighbourhood displays. Instead, attend events that have been planned throughout the Region. This Canada Day, there will be a professional fireworks display at Ajax Downs (50 Alexander’s Crossing) at 10 pm.
“Fireworks are extremely dangerous and should be left to trained professionals. This recommendation is made to minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries that can result from the misuse of fireworks.” – Shelley Langer, Fire Prevention Inspector, Town of Ajax
Ajax Fire and Emergency Services personnel have the following safety tips for residents who do choose to take part in informal fireworks displays:
- Keep fireworks in a cool, dry, ventilated place and out of reach from children.
- Children under the age of 18 using fireworks should be supervised by an adult. Always ensure consent has been given by the property owner to discharge fireworks.
- Choose a wide, clear space away from overhead obstacles to display fireworks.
- Fireworks should not be discharged in windy conditions.
- Carefully read the instructions on the packaging before discharging.
- Plan the order of firing before you begin.
- Use a good firing base, such as a pail, box or wheelbarrow, filled with sand.
- If a firework doesn’t have a standing base, then bury them halfway in the sand, unless the label indicates otherwise.
- Set fireworks at a 10-degree angle, pointing away from spectators.
- Never light a firework in your hand or hold a lit firework.
- Light the fireworks carefully and always light the fuse at the tip.
- Water and portable fire extinguishers should be kept nearby for emergencies.
- Dispose of used fireworks, including debris, in a pail of water.
- Never try to re-light fireworks that don’t go off, and never try to fix fireworks that are defective. Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching such fireworks.
You May Want To Read
Elexicon asked to explain storm response including delay to some homes