City stresses fireworks safety this Victoria Day long weekend

Heading into the Victoria Day long weekend, the City of Cambridge reminds residents that fireworks are not permitted to be fired in city parks and on public lands.

There are no public fireworks displays taking place during the long weekend.

For more information about the fireworks by-law, visit cambridge.ca/fireworks.

In the City of Cambridge, fireworks can be used on Victoria Day and two days following if Monday's weather doesn't cooperate.

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 at home 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 is recommending "funworks" instead of fireworks again this year to reduce the chance of injury and bylaw complaints.

“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.”