Fireworks Pose Serious Risks

Fireworks are fun, exciting, and the foundation to any holiday celebration especially on Canada's Birthday, however, the North Bay Fire Department warns that fireworks are also very dangerous.

Acting Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Randy Vezina is urging residents to attend the firework display at the Waterfront Saturday to minimize the risk of unwanted fires or burn injuries that can be caused by backyard fireworks.

For folks who still choose to have the backyard family fireworks or neighbourhood gatherings, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has developed a dos and don’ts list for a safe holiday weekend.

If you still choose to have a family fireworks or informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations pertaining to the handling and discharging of fireworks for these activities. Here are some important safety tips to be followed:

- Handling and discharging of fireworks must only be done by adults. Appoint one person to be in charge, who knows about the hazards of fireworks and essential safety precautions

- Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging

- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by

- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass

- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass

- Always keep everyone a safe distance away from discharged fireworks

- Light only one firework at a time, and never try to light a firework, or hold a lit firework, in your hand

- Never re-light “dud” fireworks. It is best to wait 30 minutes and then soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal garbage can

- Never give sparklers to children. While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury

- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary