Have a safe Victoria Day celebration
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Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service shares fireworks tips
Tomorrow is Victoria Day, and, for many, it means a day off work to spend time at home with loved ones. If you are planning to use fireworks in celebration of the holiday, remember to be safe and follow proper usage tips.
The City of Vaughan’s fireworks by-law (PDF) allows consumer fireworks – family fireworks set off in a private, at-home display – to be lit without a permit on Victoria Day. As Ontario remains in the province-wide stay-at-home order, citizens are reminded that backyard celebrations and firework displays must be kept to those living in their household. Concerns or violations can be reported to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service provides the following tips to help citizens handle fireworks safely:
- Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
- Onlookers should be a safe distance away and upwind from where fireworks are discharged.
- Fireworks should not be lit close to combustible materials like homes, buildings, fences, wires, forested areas and dry grass, or if there are strong winds.
- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground in a bucket of sand. Never try to light a firework in your hand.
- Never reignite a firework that did not go off properly the first time.
- Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in water before transferring them to a trash can.
For businesses selling fireworks, a valid sales licence is required. To apply, contact the City’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services team by emailing bylaw@vaughan.ca or calling Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. Citizens can also visit vaughan.ca/bylaw for more information on fireworks licences.
As mandated by the provincial government, fireworks retailers can sell products through curbside pickup or delivery only, by appointment. Members of the public are not permitted to enter the business at this time.
To receive the City’s latest updates, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
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