Display Fireworks
Many people enjoy fireworks displays whether they are the at-home, family-type or the large public display style. By-law 2004-0122 contains provisions for the sale, storage, display and discharge of fireworks in Halton Hills.
Display type fireworks are high level devices that are discharged in cannon like tubes typically used at large public events such as the Acton Canada Day festivities. Only a federally approved fireworks technician can discharge these types of devices. These fireworks can only be purchased from a licensed vendor/manufacturer after the fireworks technician has received a signed approval from fire department.
To receive the signed approval, property owners must apply through the Town's permit process per By-law 2004-0122. The owner must submit a completed application along with payment, a copy of the technician's license and a map of the area where the fireworks will be discharged. Staff will review the documents and if necessary, conduct a site inspection prior to granting the permit. Pyrotechnic style fireworks typically used indoors in theatrical settings must also follow the instructions listed for display fireworks.
Family Fireworks
Family-type fireworks, sometimes referred to as consumer or low level fireworks, are typically available at local retail outlets and are designed to rise less than 50 metres. Examples include: roman candles, pinwheels, sparklers and volcanoes.
These styles of fireworks may be discharged only on Victoria Day and Canada Day and no permit is required. Should a citizen wish to discharge fireworks outside these days a permit is required from the fire department. Permit applications are available.
For family fireworks, the following by-law provisions apply:
- The discharge of fireworks is only permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
- A fireworks permit is required for the discharge of family fireworks on any other day.
- 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 fireworks in such a place or manner to create danger or nuisance to others.
- 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.
Additional provisions can be found in By-law 2004-0122. Those who fail to follow these provisions are guilty of an offence and if convicted, are liable to a fine as provided in the Provincial Offences Act.
Retail Sale of Family Fireworks
The sale of fireworks requires a permit issued by the fire department. Upon completion of the Sale of Fireworks Application staff will inspect the retail establishment to ensure the premise is maintained to Ontario Fire Code requirements and that fireworks can be stored properly. In addition, fireworks can only be sold 7 days prior to Victoria Day or Canada Day. Additional provisions for the sale of fireworks can be found in By-law 2004-0122.
Safety Tips for Discharging Fireworks
- Carefully read and follow label directions.
- Do not allow children to discharge fireworks without adult supervision.
- 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 for extinguishment.
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials, structures, trees and dry grass.
- Bury fireworks that do not have a base halfway in a container of sand or earth unless label states otherwise and angle them at a 10 degree angle, pointing away from people.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never light fireworks in your hand.
- Do not smoke near the fireworks.
- Stay away for at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off.
- Keep sparklers away from children. They burn hot and can ignite clothing. Immediately soak spent sparklers in water.
- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 3 to 5 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Clean up the fireworks debris when finished and check for embers or smouldering materials
If a citizen is looking for additional information or would you would like to report the improper discharge of fireworks please contact the fire department at 905 877-1133.