Despite the recent dry weather, the annual Canada Day fireworks display at Science North is scheduled to go ahead as planned.
Greater Sudbury Deputy Fire Chief Graham Campbell said Friday the Ministry of Natural Resources still hasn't issued a fire ban for the city.
"And as long as there's no fire ban, fireworks are OK," Campbell said.
While it's ultimately Sudbury's fire chief who imposes the ban, Campbell said that they work closely with the ministry to make the decision. The fact there's full-time firefighters here plays a role, as well.
"They use their systems -- they test moisture in the ground, they monitor weather reports,” he said. “The other thing they take into consideration is the number of resources they have to fight a fire if one should occur. With us being a fairly large department, we do fairly well with resources, as well."
The fireworks display at Science North is expected to begin around 10:15 p.m., following a day of family activities at the centre. There will likely be a fire vehicle nearby, Campbell said.
"It's nothing for us just to send one of the trucks into town just to be sort of mobile in the area,” he said. “That's something we've traditionally done."
While there's no fire ban, Campbell said they're encouraging residents to take in the show at Science North, rather than have their own events.
"You get a much better show when it's a large display, rather than just the backyard stuff," he said. "I know the backyard stuff is fun, but when you have a large display by a contractor, governed by the Explosives Act, it's a much safer way to enjoy it and it's a much better show."
If residents do decide to have their own fireworks, he urges them to familiarize themselves with the city's Fireworks Bylaw and open burning bylaw.
