By james art Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and one of India’s largest festivals, and Oshawa, Ajax and Clarington Fire and Rescue Services want to remind residents to keep firework safety in mind when celebrating.
In Oshawa, fireworks can be set off between dusk and 11pm on Diwali Thursday, October 31. Using fireworks outside of the designated period can result in fines of up to $100,000. Learn more, including prohibited activities, by viewing Fireworks Regulations.
in Clarington, Bylaw No. 2015-047regulates the disposal and sale of fireworks. Residents must obtain a fireworks permit before setting off fireworks for Diwali. However, the permit fee is waived for cultural or religious holidays.
In Ajax, fireworks are permitted in recognition of Diwali and are permitted between 11:00 and 23:00 on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November. Please note that fireworks are not permitted in recognition of Halloween.
AFES recognizes that fireworks are inherently dangerous. Residents who choose to set off fireworks should make sure they follow the city’s fireworks displayBylaw.
Ajax said no person shall set off consumer fireworks on any public street or road within the city’s corporate limits at any time.
No person may set off consumer fireworks on land of which the owner is not the registered owner without obtaining the prior written permission of the registered owner to do so.
Firework safety tips
You must not:
- Do not discharge fireworks on municipal property, public parks or open spaces without permission.
- Do not discharge fireworks on highways or roads.
- Do not light fireworks in windy weather.
- Do not attempt to relight a defective firework.
- Never hold a lighted firework in your hand.
Dos:
- Always read the instructions first.
- Use a good disposal base, such as a bucket full of sand.
- Place fireworks in a clear, open area on your property, away from any obstructions.
- Check the safety instructions on the fireworks label to see the minimum distance you should keep from spectators.
- Only adults should handle fireworks.
- Always have water, sand or a fire extinguisher handy in case you need them.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching an unexploded firework and immersing it in water.
- Respect your neighbors, their property and the community.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry and ventilated place out of the reach of children.
- Clean up any fireworks residue.
Tips for fire safety
- Make sure everyone working with sparklers wears safety gloves.
- Avoid loose or flowing clothing that could catch fire.
- Children should only use sparklers under adult supervision. Sparkles are not suitable for children under five.
- Sparklers should be kept at arm’s length while burning and lit only one at a time.
- Keep a safe distance from others using sparklers. Do not wave sparklers near other people.
- When the sparkler burns out, place it hot end down in a bucket of cold water or sand. Leave them for a few hours – they stay hot for a long time!
Be considerate of your neighbors
Please be considerate of your neighbors as not everyone is a fan of fireworks.
- Let your neighbors know you plan to set off fireworks.
- Be careful with pets as they can easily be spooked by the noise.
- Set off fireworks between the designated time of dusk and 11 p.m
- Clean up safely and dispose of fireworks residue.
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