Remember not to set off fireworks after 11 pm: AFES

Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) is reminding Durham residents of firework safety tips.

AFES said fireworks are inherently dangerous. Ajax residents that choose to set off fireworks must ensure they follow the by-law. General prohibitions include, but are not limited to:

• No person shall set off any consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the town except on the statutory or cultural holidays known as the Lunar New Year, Eid al Fitr, Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali the one day immediately preceding and following each of those days.
• On the above-mentioned statutory or cultural holidays, no person shall set off any consumer fireworks within the town after 11 pm or before 11 am.
• 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 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,” said Shelley Langer, Ajax Fire Prevention Inspector.

Quick Facts

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.
• 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.

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