If you are planning to go on a trip Fireworks it Canada Day Over the weekend, some fire chiefs say you should take safety precautions before doing so or avoid doing it yourself and attend fireworks shows instead.
Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, told Global News the organization’s stance is clear when it comes to fireworks.
“Our first and foremost concern is your safety and that of the public,” he said. “We have a stance, and we believe, that fireworks should only be used — and I say again, only — by certified professionals.”
Anyone in Canada aged 18 or older can legally purchase fireworks, though the federal government says they should always be purchased from a reputable retailer that sells products that comply with the country's safety regulations and standards.
While it's advisable to leave lighting fireworks to the professionals, McMullen says there are a few things you can do to ensure your own safety.
Before purchasing fireworks, check the rules regarding their use in your city and even your province, as these devices are still considered explosives and can cause injuries.
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“You don't want to be held responsible for any damage to yourself or somebody else's property because you're doing this illegally to begin with,” McMullen said.
If you can light fireworks legally in your community, after you purchase them, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will let you know where you can light them and how much distance should be kept between the fireworks and people who are watching them.
Additionally, the Canadian Safety Council (CSC) recommends placing fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to ensure stability, and controlling wind direction to ensure the wind is blowing away from spectators.
The council said to only light one item at a time, wear protective equipment for your eyes and hands, don't lean over fireworks and don't use them if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
McMullen said fireworks can cause property fires or wildfires — another reason to be mindful of weather conditions, including how dry the atmosphere is.
“A fire starts with an ember, a spark. The devices we're talking about today, the fireworks, will ignite those embers and those sparks that we're talking about,” he said. “So please be very careful if you decide to do this.”
If you decide to put on your own fireworks show, the CSC says to make sure they are disposed of properly after use, and this includes dipping the fireworks in a bucket of sand to allow them to cool down after burning, as they are very hot.
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