Halton Hills Fire Department Issues Safety Reminder

HALTON HILLS, ON – The Halton Hills Fire Department would like to remind residents to stay safe and be respectful while celebrating Victoria Day this weekend.

“Statistics tell us that almost a third of fireworks-related injuries occur on or around Victoria Day and Canada Day,” said Fire Chief Jon Rehill.  Adding, “And almost three-quarters of injuries required a visit to the hospital, so I would ask residents to please take extra care when handling fireworks this year!”

Families interested in discharging fireworks on Victoria Day are reminded of the following by-law provisions:

• The discharge of fireworks is only permitted on Victoria Day; this year Victoria Day is on Monday May 23rd.
• No person under the age of 18 shall set off any fireworks, except under supervision and control of a person 18 years of age or older.
• No person shall discharge fireworks on land except his own unless consent has been obtained.
• No person shall discharge any fireworks in or on any highway, street lane, square or other public place.  (The discharge of fireworks on Town owned property such as parks is not permitted without first obtaining written permission).
• No person shall discharge fireworks in such a place or manner to create danger or nuisance to others.
• No person shall discharge any fireworks into any building, doorway, structure, automobile or any other place where such setting off might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property.
• Firecrackers are not permitted.

Those who fail to follow these provisions are guilty of an offence and if convicted, are liable to a fine as provided in the Provincial Offences Act.

Residents can follow these fireworks discharging tips to keep their families and neighbourhoods safe:

• Carefully read and follow fireworks manufacturer directions.
• Do not allow children to discharge fireworks.
• Discharge fireworks only if wind and weather conditions do not create a safety hazard.
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away and upwind from the discharge area.
• Always keep a pail of water or water hose close by for extinguishment.
• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials, structures, trees and dry grass.
• Bury fireworks that do not have a base halfway in a container of sand or earth unless label states otherwise and angle them at a 10 degree angle, pointing away from people.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never light fireworks in your hand.
• Do not smoke near the fireworks.
• Stay away at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off.
• Keep sparklers away from children.  They burn hot and can ignite clothing.  Immediately soak spent sparklers in water.
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for 3 to 5 minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

Clean up the fireworks debris when finished and check for embers or smouldering materials

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto.  The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine. Visit the website at haltonhills.ca