Fireworks Safety

Consumer Fireworks are not toys.

You must be over 18 years old to handle fireworks

Consumer Fireworks are, in fact, powerful pyrotechnic articles and, for this reason, both their sale and purchase are restricted. The Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada routinely tests fireworks and approves those that are safe to transport, store, handle, and use. To ensure a fun but safe family fireworks display, it is important that the simple safety procedures outlined below are followed.

1. Use Fireworks Outdoors - Never use fireworks indoors; they are designed for outdoor use only.

2. Choose a Clear, Open Area - Always use fireworks in an open area away from buildings, vehicles, overhead obstructions, and dry brush/grass (which could catch fire). - A minimum clear area of 35 m by 35 m for aerial family fireworks, such as Roman candles, and 20 m by 20 m for fountains and other ground-based items is recommended.

3. Check For Wind - Check wind direction and wind speed; fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from spectators and closest dwelling. Don’t set off aerial fireworks in strong winds.

4. Have Water Nearby - Keep a charged hose or bucket filled with water close by in case of a malfunction or fire.

5. Read All Instructions - Carefully read all the instructions for each firework ahead of time.

6. Use Ground-Based Fireworks on a Hard Surface - Always light ground-based fireworks (fountains, mines) on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability of the item. Grass is typically not suitable, and a wood or equivalent base is recommended to ensure stability.

7. Bury Aerial Fireworks - For aerial fireworks (Roman candles), bury (do not pile) the device to half it’s length in the ground or in a large pail or box filled with earth or sand.

8. Keep Spectators Safe - Keep all spectators at least 20 m away from location where articles are functioned

9. Use Proper Eye Protection and Wear Proper Clothing - Protect your eyes with safety glasses or safety goggles. Regular prescription glasses or sunglasses provide little or no protection and may actually contribute to an injury. - Wear non-flammable clothing such as cotton; never wear synthetic fibre clothing (nylon, polyester) when firing.

10. Keep Children Away From Fireworks - Never let children handle, play with or fire fireworks under any circumstances. Even sparklers, which are considered by many as “safe” fireworks for children, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing and burn flesh. In addition, they project sparks that can cause eye injury.

11. Use Care When Handling Fireworks - Take care when handling fireworks to prevent dropping them. Do not carry fireworks in your pockets. Never smoke while handling fireworks.

12. Use Care When Firing Fireworks - When lighting, never put any part of your body or head over the firework; never hand hold them or insert them into other means of containment such as pipes; and never point or throw them at people or other sensitive/flammable targets. - During a fireworks show, store the unused fireworks away from the firing area and keep them covered to prevent stray sparks from prematurely setting them off.

13. Duds or Misfires - Never attempt to re-light fireworks that have misfired (duds). Wait 30 minutes and then place them in a bucket of water.

14. Clean-Up After the Show - Wait 30 minutes after the display has finished. Check the firing area for duds, clean up all debris, and check it again the next morning.