Play it Safe This Canada Day

Fireworks Safety Tips from the Ontario Fire Marshal

TORONTO, June 30, 2016 /CNW/ - The Fire Marshal and Chief of Emergency Management of Ontario, Ross Nichols is urging Ontarians to include fire safety in their Canada Day celebrations. Instead of setting off fireworks in backyards or neighbourhoods this weekend, Nichols suggests attending fireworks displays hosted by local municipalities.

Many municipalities have fireworks displays run by experts who are trained in their safe storage, handling, ignition and disposal. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous if used improperly and for this reason, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.

Those still choosing to have their own fireworks displays must obey all local regulations about where and when to light consumer fireworks. The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) offers the following safety measures which can also be found in the more detailed Fireworks Safety Tip Sheet:

• Carefully read and follow directions on fireworks packaging;
• Keep a water hose or pail of water available at all times when lighting fireworks;
• Light fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass;
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are lit;
• Keep sparklers out of the hands of children as hot wires can result in burn injuries, and
• Appoint an adult to be in charge of discharging fireworks.

QUOTES

"Ontario's dedicated fire services professionals work hard to keep our families, neighbourhoods and communities safe. But we must all do our part to reduce the risks of fire. This Canada Day long weekend, we want families to enjoy themselves but also be mindful of the dangers of fireworks and the simple precautions they can take to keep safe this weekend and all summer long."

-       David Orazietti
Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services   

"In addition to the general risks associated with setting off personal fireworks displays, dry weather conditions at this time of year also increase the risk of wildland fires.  Fireworks are considered open burning and the rules for open burning may differ across the province depending on where you are. Always check with the local municipality or Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for any restrictions on fireworks or open burning."

- Ross Nichols
Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief of Emergency Management

LEARN MORE

• Fireworks Safety Tip Sheet
• Current Forest Fire Information
• How to build a safe campfire

SOURCE Office of the Fire Marshal - Media Relations

Jude Kelly, Public Relations Officer (A), Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, [phone]