Make firework safety a priority on July 1!

June 29, 2021 3:45 p.m.
​Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service shares proper usage tips


With Canada Day around the corner, some people may be planning to light up the night in their yards to commemorate the occasion. The City of Vaughan is reminding citizens to remain vigilant, exercise caution around fireworks and follow proper usage tips. 

The City’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 Canada Day. Fireworks are not permitted to be used on public property. 

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.

Visit vaughan.ca/fire for more fire prevention tips and information on safe firework usage. 

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. 

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.  

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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