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Diwali is this Sunday, November 12, and Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) want to remind residents of firework safety tips. AFES recognizes that fireworks are inherently dangerous. Residents that choose to set off fireworks must ensure they follow the by-law. General prohibitions include, but are not limited to:

No person shall set off any consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the Town except on the statutory or cultural holidays known as the Lunar New Year, Eid al Fitr, Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali the one day immediately preceding and following each of those days.

On the above-mentioned statutory or cultural holidays, no person shall set off any consumer fireworks within the Town after 11 p.m. or before 11 a.m.

No person shall set off any consumer fireworks on any public street or roadway within the corporate limits of the Town, at any time.

No person shall set off consumer fireworks on any land of which they are not the registered owner, without obtaining the prior written permission of the registered owner to do so.

Quote

“Fireworks can be dangerous and every year, people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment of burns and eye injuries because of fireworks. If you choose to use fireworks, please follow the safety tips listed below.” - Shelley Langer, Fire Prevention Inspector, Town of Ajax

Safety Tips

  • Keep fireworks in a cool, dry, ventilated place and out of reach from children.
  • Children under the age of 18 using fireworks should be supervised by an adult. Always ensure consent has been given by the property owner to discharge fireworks.
  • Choose a wide, clear space, away from overhead obstacles to display fireworks.
  • Fireworks should not be discharged in windy conditions.
  • Carefully read the instructions on the packaging before discharging.
  • Plan the order of firing before you begin.
  • Use a good firing base, such as a pail, box or wheelbarrow, filled with sand.
  • If a firework doesn’t have a standing base, then bury them halfway in the sand, unless    the label indicates otherwise.
  • Set fireworks at a 10-degree angle, pointing away from spectators.
  • Never light a firework in your hand or hold a lit firework.
  • Light the fireworks carefully and always light the fuse at the tip.
  • Water and portable fire extinguishers should be kept nearby for emergencies.
  • Dispose of used fireworks, including debris, in a pail of water.
  • Never try to re-light fireworks that don’t go off, and never try to fix fireworks that are defective. Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching such fireworks.

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