Fireworks

Fireworks By-Law

The Municipality of South Huron Fireworks By-Law regulates the display and discharge of fireworks within South Huron. Excerpts from the by-law:

•  No person in the Municipality of South Huron shall discharge any type of fireworks at any time on any day other than between dusk  and 11 p.m. local time on the days upon which Victoria Day and Canada Day are celebrated.

• No person in the Municipality of South Huron shall sell or give any type of fireworks to any individual under the age of 18 years.

• No person in the Municipality of South Huron shall display or sell any type of fireworks except during that period of time between May 1 and July 10 of each year for the purpose of Victoria Day and Canada Day celebrations.   

To report a fireworks complaint, please contact the OPP non-emergency number 1-888-310-1122.

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks displays in your own backyard can be a lot of fun, but can pose serious risks if proper precautions aren't taken.

South Huron Fire and Emergency Services suggests attending public fireworks displays hosted by a responsible organization if possible. 

Fireworks Show Permission

Any established group, association, or organization in the Municipality of South Huron may hold a fireworks show, subject to permission from the Municipality of South Huron Fire Chief. Applications for Fireworks Show Permission shall be in writing addressed to the Municipality of South Huron Fire Chief and shall specify:

a)  the name and address of the applicant

b)  full particulars of the applicant’s qualifications for setting off fireworks.

c)  the date of the fireworks show

d)  location of the fireworks show demonstrating that there will be no danger to adjacent properties, highways, or persons using same.

e)  the name, qualification, and experience of the person to discharge the fireworks, who shall be a pyrotechnical expert, and/or possess a recognized Fireworks Supervisor Certificate as approved by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Resources, Canada

Please contact the Fire Chief at 519-235-1981 or firechief@southhuron.ca 

Be aware or your responsibility

By choosing to set off fireworks on your own property, you are taking responsibility for any harm that should occur to people or property as a result. You may wish to advise your neighbours before doing this and ensure that there will be no undue hardship as a result. Every year, numerous complaints are received because of fireworks being set off late at night or too close to other properties, and this can damage relationships between neighbours. 

If your yard is small and you cannot guarantee debris will fall only on your own property, use of fireworks is not recommended.​

Set them off safely

• Only ADULTS should handle fireworks - appoint ONE person to be in charge who knows the hazards and safety precautions. 
• Carefully read and follow the directions on the packaging.
• Always keep a hose or pail of water close by.
• Set off fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.​
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never try to light a firework (or hold a lit firework) in your hand.
• Never re-light “dud” fireworks. Wait 30 minutes, then soak them in a bucket of water. 
• Never give sparklers to small children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. 
• ​Sparkler wires remain hot for several minutes after burnout, so soak them in water immediately to avoid injury. 
• If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Watch the fireworks as they fall to the ground, and mark their locations so that you don't miss anything. If they fall into a neighbour's yard or on their roof, you are responsible for letting them know and retrieving them if necessary.

Dispose of them wisely

• ​​Immediately after your fireworks show, comb the area for any pieces that may have scattered in the explosion.
• Use work gloves to pick up any materials that may be hot.
• Soak all materials in a pail of water overnight (NOT in a lake or other natural body of water).
• Pull out wicks and fuses from unspent fireworks.
• Wrap the wet materials in plastic to keep them wet as long as possible and place them in your regular trash.