Fire Department Urges Firework Safety

As Canada approaches its 150th birthday, many are starting to stock up on celebratory fireworks. But the London Fire Department is hoping Londoners will opt to take in public displays over private ones.

Fire officials say professional firework shows are organized and regulated to minimize dangerous situations and the risk of injuries, making them the ideal choice.

"When they are going to be setting off a large display of fireworks, they have to have insurance and apply for a permit. They have to have people who have been trained and have a license. They are regulated by the explosive regulatory division," said Dianne Lebold, assistant chief fire prevention officer at the London Fire Department. "So there are a lot of checks and balances that are done for those types of displays."

For those who choose to host their own spectacle in the sky, the fire department recommends the following precautions be taken;

• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge.
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees, and dry grass.
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks.

Due to their extreme heat, the fire department also suggests keeping sparklers away from children. Lebold notes the bright shining, slow burning, hand-held firework can ignite clothing, cause blindness, and result in severe burns.

"If you receive a burn from a sparkler, immediately run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes. If it is really bad, seek medical attention," said Lebold.

While Canada Day celebrations will be spread out over the course of the three-day long weekend, Londoners are only allowed to set off fireworks between dusk and 11pm on Saturday. Those caught in violation of the city's fireworks by-law could face a fine of up to $5,000.

To date, London fire crews have never been called to a firework related mishap and Lebold said they are optimistic their words of warning will help keep it that way.

"We want people to have fun on the Canada Day weekend, especially for the 150th. But we want people to be safe," said Lebold.

Public fireworks displays will be held on Saturday in Harris Park, the Byron Optimist Sports Complex on Boler Rd., the Argyle Arena on Wavell St., and the South London Community Centre on Jalna Blvd. Another professional display is planned on Sunday at Meadowgate Park on Meadowgate Blvd.