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May 20, 2021

To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the Mississippi Mills Fire Department reminds everyone to be cautious with fireworks and have a safe weekend.  Everyone should follow Provincial Guidelines and if they choose to use fireworks, know the rules, and ensure everyone is safe.

Fireworks can be dangerous when not used properly.  When choosing to have fireworks, they must be used on personal property.  No permit or notification to the fire department is required.

Should you have a private firework display on your personal property, here are some important safety tips to be followed:

  • Appoint a responsible adult to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
  • Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
  • Discharge 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 discharged.
  • Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
  • Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard or leave your property.
  • Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
  • If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.

The use of fireworks comes with some risk.  Users must ensure they use a firecracker or fireworks in such a way that it does not endanger themselves, another person, an animal, or property.  Fireworks and the display fallout must be contained to the personal property to ensure no damage of disruptions to neighbouring property.  The use of firecrackers or fireworks on Municipal property or in Municipal parks is strictly prohibited.

Bylaw 07-60 regulates fireworks in Mississippi Mills.  The fire department may use enforcement and cost recovery initiatives for any misuse or damage caused by fireworks, so be safe, follow the rules, and have a fire safe weekend.