Rockets, shells, bombshells, barrages, bombardos, tourbillons, mines.
By the names of some of the fireworks available in Bradford West Gwillimbury, it is safe to say local residents can expect some spectacular booms this Canada Day long weekend.
“A lot of people are really enthusiastic!” said Kevin Sarwari of KABOOM.ca fireworks.
The question he hears most often is, “What’s the most bang for your bucks — no pun intended.” It may make him groan, but he said he has already sold out of his $700 boxes of fireworks for Canada Day.
Neighbours are pooling their cash, he said, “to try to set up something for the neighbourhood.”
Though people are excited, local fire safety officials are reminding residents to be cautious when lighting up fireworks.
The local fireworks bylaw sets restrictions on who can set off fireworks, and when they can be used.
The bylaw limits firework sales to the 10 days prior to Victoria Day and Canada Day, and the holidays themselves, and it bans sales to anyone under the age of 18.
Residents are only allowed to set off fireworks on the five days surrounding each holiday — two days before, the day itself, and two days following.
And fireworks cannot be set off on public lands without the prior approval of BWG council. That means no parks, no roads, and no road allowances.
“The key message is be smart!” said BWG Fire Prevention Officer Kathryn Schramm.
She is urging residents to play it safe if they to host a private fireworks display.
She has been handing out safety brochures at special events, posting them on social media, and sending out regular tweets to provide the following advice:
- Only adults over the age of 21 should handle and light fireworks.
- Always read and follow the directions, especially as they relate to recommended clearances from structures. If your yard is not big enough, do not take the risk of setting off fireworks.
- Even if the yard is big enough and meets the recommended clearances, it is extremely important to keep fireworks away from all combustibles. That includes buildings, trees, shrubs and dry grass.
- Have a hose or pail of water on-hand. Clean up the scattered pieces of fireworks, soak all materials in water before disposal, and remember to pull the wicks from unspent fireworks.
- Never hold fireworks or try to relight a dud.
“A dud is not dead. Don’t try to relight them — put them in a bucket of water,” Schramm said.
She also advises against giving sparklers to kids.
“People think sparklers are safe. Just a reminder — the wires stay hot.”
In 2014, of the 10,500 fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms, 28 per cent of them were due to sparklers, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
As well, the association reported most of the injuries that year were to the hand (36 per cent) and the head and face (38 per cent).
In Canada, between 2009 and 2013, fireworks were blamed for 129 fires and nearly $2.5 million in damages, according to the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal.
Schramm recommends dousing sparklers in a bucket of sand or water — or skipping them altogether.
Anyone who does suffer a burn should hold the injured area under cool running water for three to five minutes and seek medical help, she said.
Schramm also suggests people attend a municipal or public fireworks display, instead of trying to do it themselves.
“Go and celebrate with the community. You get the big displays, you get the events and activities. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up. You don’t have to worry about combustibles. Somebody else takes care of it!” she said.
With all the talk of responsibility and emphasis on safety, there is still deliberate stupidity, said BWG Fire Chief Kevin Gallant.
Last year, there was a fireworks “battle” between neighbours, with some residents holding and pointing fireworks at each other, he said.
“We had to park a truck out in the middle of the street to stop a fight,” he said.
Gallant said fireworks displays may not be appropriate in urban environments, with small lots, overhanging trees, and side-by-side houses.
“If you’ve got proper clearances, a water supply, there’s a time and a place for everything,” he said.
However, he said residents should consider attending the municipal fireworks planned for the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre on July 1. Activities begin at 4:30 p.m., and the fireworks start at dusk.
Be aware, be safe, and call 911 in case of emergency, Gallant said.
Complaints about fireworks can be made by calling 905-775-7311, ext. 4103 or the enforcement hotline at 905-775-5366, ext. 1701.
