Fireworks are the cause of thousands of injuries each year across the province.
With the first long weekend of the summer just around the corner, the Cambridge Fire Department is offering a giveaway to help promote a fun and safe ‘non-firework’ friendly alternative.
Anyone who enters the draw, can win a basket filled with some fun and tasty treats.
“For children between the ages of five to 14, they account for the highest percentage of injuries due to fireworks. That’s why we want to promote this fun alternative,” said Eric Yates, chief fire prevention officer with the Cambridge Fire Department.
“We have definitely seen a rise in complaints received from fireworks since the pandemic began. A rise in fireworks, causes concern for an escalated chance of injury.”
But there are other alternatives to fireworks says Brooklyn Reid, fire prevention/public educator inspector with CFD.
“And they are called ‘funworks’,” Reid said.
“This includes using glow sticks instead of sparklers. They glow in the dark, they are a safe alternative, and fun for all ages,” Reid said.
“Many people don’t realize that sparklers burn at 649 degrees Celsius. They actually burn hotter than glass which melts at 482 degrees C, and wood burns at 302 degrees C. That’s why we want families to look at alternatives such as glow sticks, silly string, or noise makers.”
Often, Yates says, people don’t know how to discard sparklers properly and as a result, causes a fire hazard at home.
“Kids often get hurt using sparklers because they hold them too high or they can even accidentally burn their friends with them,” Yates said.
Yates says another fun and safe alternative is a family outdoor movie night.
“It’s a great way to celebrate without fireworks. Grab a blanket, have fun and enjoy the light show, but in a different fashion,” Yates said.
For those really hoping to catch a fireworks show this Victoria Day long weekend, the Cambridge Fire Department says attending a public display is the safest option.
And for those who really want to keep the show close to home, Yates encourages people to review city the by-laws surrounding fireworks.
In the City of Cambridge, fireworks can be used on Victoria Day and two days preceding and following.
Whoever is handling them must be over 18, except under the direction and supervision of an adult. Skyrockets and torpedoes are not among the list of permitted fireworks.
Regarding fireworks safety in the City of Cambridge, people should:
- Choose a wide, clear site away from all obstacles. Refer to safety instructions on the fireworks label for minimum distances from spectators.
- Never try to light a firework or hold a lit firework in your hand unless the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that they are designed to be hand-held
- Keep water nearby. Dispose of used fireworks, including debris, in a pail of water
- Adults setting off fireworks should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Do not fire in windy conditions
- Do not smoke while setting off fireworks
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials including buildings, trees, and dry grass
- Keep sparklers away from children. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury;
- Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a firework that did not go off. Never try to relight fireworks that did not go off. Never try to fix a firework that is defective
For more information, visit the city of Cambridge fireworks safety guidelines.
The Cambridge Fire Department will hold two draws for a gift basket, one for the May 24 long weekend and the other for the July 1 long weekend.
Entries for the draw can be made by email to [email protected]. Name, address and phone number are required with one entry per email.
