With Lunar New Year approaching Ajax Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) want to remind residents of firework safety tips. AFES recognize that fireworks are inherently dangerous and recommend that residents attend events that have been planned throughout the Region and delivered by trained professionals. This recommendation is made to minimize the risk of fire and burn injuries that can result from the misuse of fireworks.
Residents that choose to set off fireworks, must ensure they follow the by-law. General prohibitions include, but are not limited to:
- No person shall set off any consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the Town except on the statutory or cultural holidays known as Lunar New Year, Eid al Fitr, Victoria Day, Canada Day and Diwali the one day immediately preceding and following each of those days.
- On the above-mentioned statutory or cultural holidays, no person shall set off any consumer fireworks within the Town after 11 p.m. or before 11 a.m.
- No person shall set off any consumer fireworks on any public street or roadway within the corporate limits of the Town, at any time.
- No person shall set off consumer fireworks on any land of which they are not the registered owner, without obtaining the prior written permission of the registered owner to do so.
Fireworks are permitted on the following statutory and cultural holidays in 2026:
- Lunar New Year:
- Monday, February 16
- Tuesday, February 17
- Wednesday, February 18
- Eid al Fitr (*tentatively):
- Thursday, March 19
- Friday, March 20
- Saturday, March 21 *Depending on moon cycle
- Victoria Day:
- Sunday, May 17
- Monday, May 18
- Tuesday, May 19
- Canada Day:
- Tuesday, June 30
- Wednesday July 1
- Thursday, July 2
- Diwali:
- Saturday, November 7
- Sunday, November 8
- Monday, November 9
Quote
“Fireworks can be dangerous. Every year people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment of burns and eye injuries because of fireworks. If you choose to use fireworks, please follow the safety tips listed below.” – Melissa Balson, Public Educator, Ajax Fire and Emergency Services
Safety Tips
- Keep fireworks in a cool, dry, ventilated place and out of reach from children.
- Choose a wide, clear space, away from overhead obstacles to display fireworks.
- Fireworks should not be discharged in windy conditions.
- Carefully read the instructions on the packaging before discharging.
- Plan the order of firing before you begin.
- Set fireworks at a 10-degree angle, pointing away from spectators.
- Never light a firework in your hand or hold a lit firework.
- Water and portable fire extinguishers should be kept nearby for emergencies.
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