Fireworks

Firework safety

Fireworks can only be set off on your own property. It is illegal to set off fireworks in a park, roadway, sidewalk or any other public property.

The following safety precautions must be taken while operating fireworks:

• Read and follow firework label directions.
• Buy your fireworks from a reliable source.
• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Always have an adult supervise firework activities.
• Operate fireworks outdoors and in an area at least 30 metres by 30 metres. Make sure the area is clear of all obstructions, such as overhead wires and trees.
• Keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site, preferably upwind.
• Keep water nearby (garden hose and bucket).
• Wear eye protection when operating fireworks.
• Ignite the fireworks from a bucket of sand.
• Never reignite a firework that did not go off properly the first time. Place non-operating fireworks in a bucket of water.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Never give fireworks or sparklers to small children.

Proper firework disposal

• Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in a container of water overnight.
• Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and put them in the garbage bin.
• Dispose of used fireworks in small quantities – up to 10 items at a time. Additional quantities of fireworks should be placed in the garbage bin over separate garbage collection dates.

Watch the Make firework safety a priority video or read the Fireworks Safety brochure (PDF) to learn more.

Firework permit

• A firework permit is for using or displaying fireworks for personal or business use only. Businesses interested in selling fireworks must apply for a licence and take the necessary courses.
• To operate fireworks on any day other than Victoria Day or Canada Day, you will need to submit a Fireworks Display Permit Application (PDF) with a site drawing to fireprevention@vaughan.ca to obtain a permit.
• A firework permit may take up to 10 business days to process once received.

Firework and Pyrotechnics By-law

• Fireworks are only permitted to be used on Victoria Day or Canada Day. To use fireworks on any other day, a Fireworks Display Permit must be obtained from the City.
• Fireworks are only allowed on your own property. It is illegal to set off fireworks in a park, roadway, sidewalk or any other public property.
• Fireworks must not be set off from any window, doorway, balcony, terrace or deck in a multi-residential property, as well as from any common area of such property.
• Fireworks must not be set off in a location where the discharge, smoke, residue or fallout of the fireworks can land on another person's property, or another person, or that creates a nuisance, or that creates or may create an unsafe condition, danger from fire or risk or accident, injury or damage at or in respect of any place, location or site, or in respect of any person, property or thing.
• Fireworks may be set off on Victoria Day and on Canada Day until 11 p.m. Fireworks with a permit on any other day may be set off until 10 p.m.

Full rules and regulations are available in the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law 089-2022 (PDF).