Fireworks

Safety guidelines

Make sure that you keep a water hose or pail close by when discharging fireworks. Carefully read and follow the directions on a firework's packaging.

Light only one firework at a time and only when they are secured on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand.

When discharging fireworks, follow the manufacturer's instructions while keeping a safe distance from any combustible materials, buildings, trees, or dry grass.

You should always:

• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge
• Watch children carefully and always be vigilant
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, facing the same direction as the wind, from the area where fireworks are being discharged
• Nail wheels securely to post or fence, allowing spinning clearance

Burns

If someone is burned, run cool water over the burn for three to five minutes. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Dud fireworks

Never try to relight a dud firework. You should wait 30 minutes, soak them in a bucket of water, and dispose of them in a metal container.

Keep sparklers away from children

Sparklers burn extremely hot and can easily ignite clothing, soak in water after burnout to avoid injury.

Apply for a Vendor Permit

Please send us [link to contact] the following to apply for a vendor's fireworks permit:

• Vendor Permit application with Schedule "A" completed (Contact us to request this document)
• Payment of $179.00 (including HST) via cheque, cash, VISA, MasterCard or debit
• Proof of liability insurance of at least two million dollars
• Written authorization by the vendor or their agent
• The municipal address where you will sell the fireworks

If you are not the landowner, make sure to include written consent from the landowner to sell fireworks.

Requirements

If you meet the below requirements, we will issue the Permit. Please see our Consumer Fireworks Checklist for Vendors for more information.

Contact us to book a fire safety inspection at least 40 days before the event.

Make sure that all fire extinguishers are tagged, serviced and located as required by the Ontario Fire Code. All sprinkler heads should be maintained and have at least 18" of clearance (if applicable). There must be a minimum of two unobstructed exits as per the Ontario Fire Code and the Explosives Act.

Ensure that:

• Aisles are at least 1.2m wide and unobstructed
• Exit signs are illuminated as required
• Emergency lighting is maintained and inspected as required

After the Permit is issued

After you have the issued Permit, post it in a visible location and ensure that you:

• Separate displayed fireworks into lots not exceeding 25 kg, as outlined by the Explosives Act (see Consumer Fireworks Retail Package)
• Keep fireworks away from fuels and do not expose them to direct sun or excess heat
• Ensure that fireworks not in consumer packages are not publicly accessible
• Sell fireworks only to individuals who are 18 years of age or older
• Separate each lot of fireworks by means of a fire break
• Keep fireworks 8m away from sources of ignition and 3m away from any vehicle parking area

Make sure that you store no more than 1,000 kg of consumer fireworks (including fireworks that are displayed for sale).

Our fire prevention staff conducts spot inspections to verify compliance.