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Oh So Much Fun, But Yet Oh So Dangerous
Who doesn’t like to watch fireworks and enjoy the display. They can be so much fun but yet every year in
Canada people get seriously hurt setting off or being near fireworks displays. We have to remember that
they are an explosive, and as such are dangerous.
Fireworks are regulated under the Alberta Fire Code 2006 and in addition under the Municipal
Government Act municipalities have the ability through Bylaw to make policy decisions and develop
systems which guide fire departments in allowing sales and authorizing discharge of these products [or
disallowing these activities within their jurisdiction], as well as dealing with the practical implementation
and enforcement of these municipal decisions.
If you plan on purchasing and discharging fireworks you need to know and understand the following:
Basic Low-Hazard Fireworks Precautions
Read and adhere to the instructions on individual pieces of fireworks.
A safe area should be chosen for discharging. This should include a bare area of ground, away
from buildings, overhead obstructions, trees, vehicles dry grass, and other flammable or
combustible objects.
Spectators should watch from a safe distance (at least 20 meters), upwind from the discharge area.
Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, vehicles or buildings.
Never hold fireworks in your hand when lighting them.
Use a bucket, large box or wheelbarrow filled with earth or sand as a firing base to secure
fireworks before lighting.
A lighting stick should be used to light fireworks, rather than a match or lighter.
A large bucket of water, sand or a garden hose should be ready at the firing site.
Do not attempt to relight a piece that does not go off. Do not approach it or move it for at least 30
minutes.
Dispose of spent fireworks in a pail of water.
Remember if they can fly 150 feet in the air they can travel 150 feet on the ground.
Basic Low-Hazard Fireworks Rules/Regulations
You require written consent for discharge from the landowner and any neighbouring affected
landowners.
Some Cities, Towns, etc. do not allow the discharge of fireworks within their boundaries. Check
with their Bylaws so you do not get charged.
Store and transport your fireworks properly/safely, in conformance with the “Alberta Fire Code”
and the “Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act” and its regulations.
No person who is under 18 years of age shall purchase, possess, handle, discharge, fire or set off
fireworks.
No person shall discharge fireworks in a manner that creates a danger or constitutes a nuisance.
No person shall discharge fireworks within 10 m of any building, tent, trailer, canvas shelter or
motor vehicle or within 200 m of any place that stores explosives, flammable or combustible
liquids.
You may be held liable/responsible for any damages caused by your fireworks display.
Now you know some of the basic safety precautions and rules/regulations. So enjoy, but do it safely and
remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.
Keith Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell