With the Victoria Day weekend fast approaching, the City of London and the London Fire Department are reminding any residents who are considering fireworks to follow all fire safety precautions as well as all measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
“We know Victoria Day is often celebrated with social gatherings and firework displays for family and friends,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “Like many celebrations this year, gatherings for fireworks will need to look different. I applaud all of the efforts Londoners have made to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Your continued support in respecting the precautions in place during this critical time for London will help protect the health and safety of our community in the coming weeks and months.”
Measures in place to flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community include physical distancing of no less than 6 feet between people, and limiting social gatherings to no more than five people, unless the people live within one household.
In addition, Londoners that choose to have fireworks are reminded of the following safety precautions to minimize the risk of burns or fires:
- Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
- Carefully read and follow the directions on fireworks packaging.
- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
- Keep family onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
- Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minute and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
- Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
- Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.
- Be respectful of your neighbours and mindful of pets
Londoners should also refer to the City of London’s Fireworks By-Law to ensure compliance with discharging of fireworks for the Victoria Day holiday. This includes only discharging fireworks between dusk and 11:00 p.m. on Victoria Day. Those selling fireworks in a pop-up trailer are required to obtain a business licence. Businesses with questions regarding licencing can email licensing@london.ca.
Residents with fire safety questions should call the London Fire Department non-emergency phone number at 519-661-5615.
For concerns about non-compliance with Provincial Orders residents can email COVIDOrderConcerns@london.ca or call 519-661-4660.
In the event of an emergency to life or property, call 9-1-1.