Fireworks

Home/.../Burlington Fire Department/Fire and Public Safety Education/Fireworks

Fireworks Safety

Firework Bylaw Review

The City of Burlington is looking for resident input on possible changes to the Fireworks Bylaw.

An online survey will be available at getinvolvedburlington.ca/fireworks from Feb. 10 until March 2, 2020.

Fireworks safety tips

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, 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.

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.

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 his 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.

Roads, Parks and Forestry

If you have a question or concern related to fireworks being set off on City roads or in parks, please contact the City's Roads, Parks and Forestry Department: 905-333-6166 or email: RPF@burlington.ca

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 or email: building@burlington.ca

The Bylaw for setting off fireworks in Burlington

Fireworks must be used in accordance with the City's bylaw that regulates the sale and use of fireworks:

The setting off of low-hazard fireworks is permitted on Victoria Day and Canada Day and the three days immediately before each of these holidays.
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.
No person shall set off any firework or fireworks in or into any building, doorway, automobile or other place where such setting off might create a danger or nuisance to any person or property.
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.

More firework safety information available on the Ministry of the
Solicitor General - Fireworks Safety website.