Fireworks Permits and Safety Tips

Every year, fireworks cause hundreds of fires, injuries and even deaths. Because of this, the fire service does not encourage the use of fireworks. The only safe way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a public fireworks display.

View the Fireworks By-law.

Information for residents

When and Where fireworks are allowed

Richmond Hill's Fireworks by-law allows for the use of consumer fireworks on Canada Day and Victoria Day, as well as the day immediately before and after each of these holidays. Outside of these days, you must obtain a permit if you would like to host your own display.

If choosing to use fireworks, they must:

Be used on a wide, clear site away from all obstacles. Refer to the safety instructions on the fireworks label for minimum distances from spectators
Not be used where it may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property
Be used on private property, with permission from the owner. You are not allowed to set off fireworks on public property such as a street, community centres, City parks or parking lots.

Please be sure to review the fireworks safety tips below before starting your fireworks display.

Getting a permit to set off fireworks

If you would like to host your own fireworks display, you must obtain a permit, except on Canada Day and Victoria Day.

Complete an Application for Fireworks or Pyrotechnics Permit for any fireworks display that you wish to host. Setting off of fireworks is not permitted on public property, unless permission from the property owner is obtained.

Buying fireworks

Do not buy fireworks from unauthorized vendors. Stores that have permission to sell fireworks will have a permit from Richmond Hill's Fire and Emergency Services. Their permit will be displayed somewhere in the store.

Fireworks safety

Fireworks are part of many celebrations and traditions. The fire service strongly recommends attending a professional display instead of doing your own fireworks, as they can be very dangerous.

If you do chose to use fireworks, remember the safety tips below. This video from the Canadian National Fireworks Association also has some great tips and information to help you stay safe.

Before lighting fireworks

Think about safety before you light your fireworks. Some safety tips include:

Choose an area at least 30 m by 30 m with no trees or power lines
Read the instructions on each product carefully
Make sure an adult lights the fireworks
Keep an eye on the wind direction and strength, don't set off fireworks when winds are strong
Keep a large pail of water or a garden hose nearby
Bury longer fireworks half-way in the ground or sand and pack the soil and sand around it

While lighting

Consider the following safety tips while lighting fireworks:

Never let kids light fireworks
Never hold fireworks when using them
Light fireworks standing at an arm's lengths away from it
Have spectators stand at least 20 m away
Never try to re-light fireworks that don't fire the first time
Use protective eyewear and footwear
Never put fireworks in your pockets
Never throw fireworks
Keep pets inside during your fireworks display

After lighting

Be safe after you've had a fireworks display.

Used Fireworks

Place used sparklers and fireworks in a bucket of water. Fireworks that were lit but did not fire should also go in a pail of water
Soak the sparklers and fireworks thoroughly overnight
Drain the water and put the used sparklers and fireworks in the garbage
Active fireworks are not collected as part of garbage or at any York Region Waste Depot

Unused Fireworks

Active fireworks do not belong in the garbage, blue bin, green bin, or at a York Region Waste Depot
Please contact York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423 to safely dispose of unused fireworks

Information for vendors

Selling fireworks

Richmond Hill's Fireworks by-law allows for the use of consumer fireworks on Canada Day and Victoria Day, as well as the day immediately before and after each of these holidays. Vendors are allowed to sell fireworks in the seven days preceding these holidays. Stores selling fireworks must follow By-law #77-10 rules for fireworks displays including:

There must be "No Smoking" postings near the display
Fireworks must be batches of no more than 25 kg
Displays must be on a shelf, in a package or in a glass case away from flammable goods
Displays should never be unsupervised
Shelves for display must be a minimum of 1.2 m in height
Displays must be out of the sun and away from excessive heat
Window displays must be fake samples, not real fireworks
Fireworks must not be sold to people under 18 years old

Getting a permit to sell

You must apply for a permit to sell fireworks in Richmond Hill. The Application for Vendor Sale of Fireworks Permit is available online. Contact the Fire Prevention Division at 905-883-5444 for more information.

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Fireworks Permits and Safety Tips

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