Oakville Fire reminds residents to put safety first this Canada Day

Tue, 28 Jun 2016

If your Canada Day celebration includes fireworks, the Oakville Fire Department is urging you to take the proper precautions to keep your family safe.

In Oakville, the sale and use of fireworks is regulated by By-Law 2009-056 which outlines how and under what conditions fireworks can be legally used on private property. Fireworks can be discharged between dusk and 11 p.m. on the day before, the day of, or the day after Canada Day.

Although family fireworks are readily available the Oakville Fire Department does not recommend their use. If you are using fireworks always follow these safety tips to protect people and property:

• Only adults should discharge fireworks; never give fireworks or sparklers to children. They burn hot and can ignite clothing.
• Read and follow the directions on label carefully.
• Keep pail of water or water hose close by for extinguishment.
• Set off fireworks in a clear, open area away from buildings, trees and dry grass.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never light a firework in your hand.
• Keep onlookers at a safe distance and upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 5 to 10 minutes and seek medical attention.

“Fireworks can be very dangerous if used improperly, and the recent hot and dry weather raises the risk of fire spreading fast,” said Fire Chief Brian Durdin. “The safest way to enjoy fireworks in Oakville this weekend is to attend the Canada Day festivities at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park where the fireworks are discharged by professionals.”

The Canada Day fireworks display organized by the Bronte Village BIA begins at 10:15 p.m. For more information about safely using fireworks, visit the Oakville Fire safety and guidelines page.