Lighting Canada Day fireworks? Follow these safety tips

Canada Day is fast approaching. Although celebrations will look a little different this year, the City of Vaughan is reminding citizens to be smart and protect themselves – remain vigilant, follow physical distancing measures and exercise caution around fireworks. 

While the City allows family fireworks to be lit without a permit on Canada Day, Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service is also urging residents to make firework safety a priority and follow these tips:

• 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, 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. 
• Ensure the firework will stay above your property once lit. Fireworks cannot be set off on private property not owned by the person setting off the firework or on City property, including roads, parks and fields.
• Residents are responsible for what happens to the firework after it is lit. Dispose of fireworks responsibly by soaking them in water before transferring them to a trash can. 

If you are hosting a fireworks display, or plan to attend one, citizens must adhere to the provincial government’s guidelines around gatherings – effective June 12, the limit on social gatherings has increased from five to 10 people across Ontario. Physical distancing protocols are still in effect. York Region Public Health reminds residents to:

• Stay home as much as possible
• Practise physical distancing with anyone outside your social circle by staying two metres away
• Wear a two-layer, non-medical face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands 

Failure to comply with the Emergency Measures By-law is an offence and subject to fines ranging from $500 to $100,000. Any violations can be reported to Access Vaughan at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca  or 905-832-2281.

A valid fireworks sales licence is required for all qualified businesses selling these items in Vaughan. To apply for a retail sales licence, businesses should contact By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services at 905-832-2281. 

For more information on the City’s response efforts, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or visit vaughan.ca/COVID19. To receive the latest news as it happens, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels. 

Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.  

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