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Family (low-hazard) fireworks are only permitted to be set off on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
The Burlington Fire Department encourages virtual firework displays or firework displays hosted by trained and certified professionals, when it is safe to do so. A reminder, permits are required for display (high-hazard) fireworks.
Each year, mostly children and teenagers are injured while using family (low hazard) fireworks. The National Fire Protection Association warns us of these dangers in their video titled, The Dangers of Consumer Fireworks in Canada.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a public display hosted by trained and certified professionals.
If you choose to have a family or an informal neighbourhood fireworks display, check out these tips:
Only adults should handle and set off fireworks.
Only use safety-certified fireworks sold by a trusted source.
Choose a clear, open space, away from buildings, overhead wires and tree branches.
Wear glasses and gloves when handling fireworks.
Keep a water hose and/or bucket of water close by.
Light only one firework at a time.
Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
Attempting to re-light a "dud" or defective firework is dangerous, it can quickly back-fire and result in severe burns.
After the fireworks display, keep children away from used fireworks in case they are still active.
Dispose of unused fireworks by completely submerging the fireworks in water and soak overnight, wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag (so that they don’t dry out), only then can you dispose of in your regular household garbage.
Sparklers are particularly popular with kids. They may be small in size, but they burn extremely hot. Even after burning out, sparklers can stay hot. Place sparklers and fireworks in a metal bucket of water or sand to cool down.
If there is a fire or life-safety emergency due to fireworks that poses an immediate danger to someone's health or property, call 9-1-1.
Who do I contact if I have a question or complaint about fireworks?
Noise Complaints
Noise complaints resulting from the discharge of fireworks can be directed to the HRPS Non-Emergency Line: 905-825-4777 or the City's bylaw office after hours answering service: 905-335-7731, press #3.
Fire Hazards
If you have a fire safety concern related to the use of fireworks, please contact the Fire Department's Non-Emergency Line: 905-637-8253
Private firework displays may require permits from the Fire Chief and/or designates.
For any fire emergency call 9-1-1.
Public/Personal Safety
If you have a personal safety concern related to fireworks, contact the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Non-Emergency Line: 905-825-4777.
Licensing and Sale of Fireworks
The building bylaw section licenses and regulates the sales of fireworks.
If there are retail sales of fireworks and no visual business license posted please direct these complaints to: 905-335-7731, press #3 or email: building@burlington.ca
The bylaw for setting off family fireworks in Burlington
The sale of family fireworks is regulated by the City's Business Licensing Bylaw. Family fireworks must be used in accordance with the City's bylaw that regulates the setting off of fireworks:
The setting off of family fireworks is only permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
Setting off of family fireworks are restricted from dusk (sunset) until 11:00 p.m.
No person under the age of eighteen years shall set off any firework(s).
No person shall use, set off any firework(s) in such a place or in such a manner as might create danger or constitute a nuisance to any person or property, or do or cause or allow any unsafe act or omission at the time and place for the setting off of any fireworks.
Family fireworks shall not be discharged within 10 m of buildings, structures, decks, vehicles, accessory buildings or other places where such setting off might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property.
Family fireworks shall only be discharged on private property. No person shall set off any fireworks on any highway, street and not on public property including city parks or school yards.
Public Safety Concerns & Fireworks
As with any emergency, if there is a fire and public safety concern related to fireworks, please call 9-1-1.