Residents are reminded that fireworks within the city can only be discharged during specified holidays and the three days leading up to them. Holidays which permit fireworks include: New Year’s Day, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, New Year’s Eve, and the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year). Resident are encouraged to be respectful of their neighbours and follow the fireworks by-law. Fireworks are not to be discharged at any other time.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue also reminds citizens of the safety risk associated with fireworks. To minimize the risk of a fire or burn injury, it is not advised to have family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays. Attending a public firework display hosted by the municipality or other established organization is recommended.

If fireworks are being used, the individual setting them off must be the owner of the property or have permission from the owner to do so. It is an offence to set off fireworks on any City property, including parks and roadways, without express written permission.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue recommends following these safety tips when using fireworks:

  • Appoint a responsible person to be in charge.
  • Carefully read and follow the directions on the fireworks packaging.
  • Keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
  • Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials such as buildings, trees and dry grass.
  • Keep onlookers a safe distance away.
  • Light one firework at a time and never light a firework in your hand.
  • Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
  • Keep sparklers away from children as the sparkler wire remains hot for some time after it burns.

The next approaching dates when fireworks are permitted are August 2, 3, 4 and 5, for the Civic Holiday. 

To view the Fireworks By-law visit www.thunderbay.ca/bylaws

-30-

Contact: Kevin Anderson, Public Education Officer – Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, 628-4921 or kanderson@thunderbay.ca