Halton Hills Fire Department offers tips for safe fireworks shows this weekend
Published May 17, 2023 at 11:41 am
Fireworks can be dangerous so Halton Hills Fire Department is offering up some safety tips for local residents this Victoria Day long weekend.
“Statistics tell us that almost a third of fireworks-related injuries occur on or around Victoria Day and Canada Day,” said Fire Chief Jon Rehill.
“And almost three-quarters of injuries required a visit to the hospital, so I would ask residents to please take extra care when handling fireworks this year.”
Halton Hills Town Council approved an update to the fireworks by-law which included a restriction of fireworks deployment to no later than 11 pm.
Anyone interested in discharging fireworks on Victoria Day are advised of the following by-law provisions:
- In the event that a burn ban is in effect, fireworks will not be permitted.
- No person under the age of 18 shall set off any fireworks, except under supervision and control of a person 18 years of age or older.
- No person shall discharge fireworks on land except his own unless consent has been obtained.
- No person shall discharge any fireworks in or on any highway, street lane, square or other public place. The discharge of fireworks on Town-owned property such as parks is not permitted without first obtaining written permission.
- No person shall discharge any fireworks into any building, doorway, structure, automobile or any other place where such setting off might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property.
- Firecrackers are not permitted.
Residents can follow these fireworks discharging tips to keep their families and neighbourhoods safe:
- Carefully read and follow fireworks manufacturer directions
- Do not allow children to discharge fireworks
- Discharge fireworks only if wind and weather conditions do not create a safety hazard
- Keep onlookers a safe distance away and upwind from the discharge area
- Always keep a pail of water or water hose close by
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials, structures, trees and dry grass
- Light only one firework at a time
- Never light fireworks in your hand
- Do not smoke near the fireworks
- Stay away at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off
- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary
- Clean up the fireworks debris when finished and check for embers or smouldering materials
For more information about setting off fireworks, visit the Town webpage.
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