Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and one of the biggest festivals in India, and Oshawa, Ajax and Clarington Emergency and Fire Services want to remind residents to keep fireworks safety in mind when celebrating.
In Oshawa, fireworks may be discharged between dusk and 11 pm on Diwali, Thursday, October 31. The use of fireworks outside the allotted time period can result in fines of up to $100,000. Learn more, including prohibited activities, by reviewing the Fireworks By-law.
In Clarington, By-law No. 2015-047 regulates the discharge and sale of fireworks. Residents need to obtain a Fireworks Permit before discharging fireworks for Diwali. However, the fee for a permit is waived for cultural or religious holidays.
In Ajax, fireworks are permitted to recognize Diwali and are allowed between the hours of 11 am to 11 pm on October 31, November 1 and November 2. Please be advised fireworks are not permitted to acknowledge Halloween.
AFES recognizes that fireworks are inherently dangerous. Residents that choose to set off fireworks must ensure they follow the Town’s Fireworks By-law.
Ajax said no person shall set off any consumer fireworks on any public street or roadway within the corporate limits of the town, at any time.
No person shall set off consumer fireworks on any land of which they are not the registered owner, without obtaining the prior written permission of the registered owner to do so.
Fireworks safety tips
Don’ts:
- Don’t discharge fireworks on Municipal property, public parks or open spaces without a permit.
- Don’t discharge fireworks on highways or roads.
- Don’t light fireworks in windy conditions.
- Don’t attempt to re-light a defective firework.
- Don’t ever hold a lit firework in your hand.
Dos:
- Always read the instructions first.
- Use a good discharge base such as a bucket filled with sand.
- Set fireworks up in a clear, open space on your property away from any obstacles.
- Check the safety instructions on the fireworks label to see the minimum distance you need to keep from spectators.
- Only adults should handle fireworks.
- Always keep water, sand or a fire extinguisher on hand in case you need it.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off and submerge it in water.
- Respect your neighbours, their property and the community.
- Keep fireworks in a cool, dry, ventilated place out of reach of children.
- Clean up all debris from the fireworks.
Sparkler safety tips
- Make sure everyone who handles sparklers wears protective gloves.
- Avoid loose-fitting or flowing clothing, which can catch fire.
- Children should only use sparklers under adult supervision. Sparklers are not suitable for children under five years old.
- Sparklers should be held at an arm’s length while being lit and only light one at a time.
- Keep a safe distance from others who are using sparklers. Don’t wave sparklers around close to other people.
- When a sparkler has burned out, place it, hot end down, in a bucket of cold water or sand. Leave it there for several hours – they stay hot for a long time!
Be considerate of your neighbours
Please be aware of your neighbours as not everyone is a fan of fireworks.
- Let your neighbours know that you are planning to discharge fireworks.
- Be aware of pets as they can be easily frightened by the noise.
- Discharge fireworks between the allotted time of dusk and 11 p.m.
- Safely clean up and dispose of the firework debris.
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