Woodstock Firework Tips

Saturday, 28 June 2014 at 11:27

Woodstock Fire Department cautions residents of the potential danger involved with firework displays; city bylaws

WOODSTOCK – If you're planning to light the sky with a firework display this weekend, July 1 is the only day you can do so without risk of a fine.

Fire Prevention Officer Jeff Slager says Victoria Day and Canada Day are the only days lighting fireworks wont cost you a $125 fine in the city.

"Those that might take advantage over the weekend – again it is kind of a complaint based bylaw, we are not out driving around looking for people and trying to track back where [fireworks] are going off – but if there are complaints and somebody from the police or bylaw do happen to be requested to attend, there can be fines associated with regards to lighting off outside of the normal date," Slager said.

While fireworks are a wonderous sight to see, Slager reminds residents the activity comes with an element of danger.

"We get distracted by the colour and the beauty of them and we forget that this is a black powder explosion that we are dealing with – it's just controlled," he said.

"Keep a good, clear space ... we recommend that people are kept about 20 metres back from where the fireworks are being let off," Salger said.

Staying sober when lighting off a firework display is key to staying safe, Slager said. Also, if a firework doesn't seem to ignite after you set fire to the fuse – do not approach it – step back.

"People will tend to approach [the firework] and immediately try to relight them or something like that, it could wind-up just being the fuse has been delayed even shorter and it could go off on you unexpectedly," he said.

"Leave it buried, move away from the area and after about 30 minutes if it still hasn't gone off, put it in a bucket of water and leave it over night so that the water permeates right through and soaks everything down."

Slager said if you're hosting a firework show with more than 20 people in your backyard, you should have obtained a permit from the fire department ahead of time.

In the event someone gets injured or something catches on fire as a result of fireworks, do not hesitate to call 911, he said.