Halton Hills Fire Department offers tips for safe fireworks shows this weekend

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.