Fireworks often signify a day of celebration but they can cause havoc if used incorrectly, and Toronto police are warning those using fireworks to exercise caution.
“Anytime we get a holiday like (Victoria Day), we see this a lot,” said Const. Craig Brister.
“This weekend we had an incident for a call in the north end of the city, where we had a report of people on the side of the road shooting fireworks at passing cars. This is definitely dangerous, it’s not a smart thing to do. It’s not a safe thing to do. There is the potential there for a lot of injury.”
Toronto Fire Services even recommends forgoing the use of neighbourhood fireworks and suggests those looking to get their fix attend public firework displays set up by the city.
“The city and (Toronto) fire recommends seeing a public sanctioned display – like Ashbridges Bay or Etobicoke Centennial Park,” said platoon chief Don Beam.
Victory Fireworks in Richmond Hill has built a business around the sale of fireworks, and throughout their 29 years of business, they’ve always advocated “safety first”.
“Safety is number one. We give everyone who buys from here gets a safety sheet with their order,” said employee Len Libman.
Libman says it’s important to keep onlookers at least 30 metres away from fireworks displays and make sure a pail of water or a hose is close by.
Another important reminder, Libman added, is to always handle fireworks with care, and that means not holding them when lit.
“People think you can hold a roman candle because it’s a light firework, but if you’re holding that one and it goes off – which happens occasionally (and it) blows out the bottom — you’re going to lose a finger and it has happened,” he said.
Fireworks Safety Tips
1. Choose an area that measure at least 30m by 30 m and is free of obstructions.
2. Keep Audience at least 30m back from your display
3. High winds will affect the quality of your display and may cause hazard
4. Keep large pail of water handy or a water hose
5. Never allow children to play with fireworks. Never allow children to light fireworks
6. Read all instructions and be familiar with all of your fireworks prior to your display
7. No fireworks, except for sparklers are intended to be held in the hand
8. Never put fireworks in your pockets
9. Do not allow smoking or drinking new fireworks
10. Wear safety glasses and non-flammable clothing for your own protection
11. If an item does not light easily, or does but seems to fizzle, stand back and do not handle for 30 minutes and place in water bucket
12. Never attempt to re-light a misfired firework
13. Do no leave fireworks unattended