To minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries this Canada Day weekend, Greater Sudbury Fire Services does not recommend family or neighbourhood fireworks displays.
Instead, residents are urged to attend professional displays, including Canada Day fireworks at Science North July 1.
"Fireworks are extremely dangerous and can result in costly damage or serious injury," says acting fire chief Marc Leduc. "This Canada Day weekend, play it safe and leave fireworks to the professionals."
It's also important to remember that hand-held sparklers can be a hazard for small children, Leduc added.
"While sparklers are considered to be harmless fun, they burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing. Even when the fire is out, sparklers remain hot and should be soaked in water to avoid injury."
Residents who choose to have a family or neighbourhood fireworks display are advised that under municipal by-law, they must own the land on which the fireworks are discharged. The person discharging the fireworks must be at least 18-years-old and responsible for all reasonable safety precautions. Fireworks may only be discharged between dusk and 11 pm.
Greater Sudbury Fire Services recommends the following safety tips for the adult in charge:
* Carefully read and follow the instructions 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.
* Always keep everyone at a safe distance.
* 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.
* If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
For more information about fireworks safety, phone Greater Sudbury Fire Services at 855-9062.
