Fireworks

The Brantford Fire Department along with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office recommend that citizens attend public firework displays put on by certified technicians that are trained to handle and discharge them safely.

If you choose to have family fireworks, they can only be set off on your own property and only on:

• Lunar New Year (Saturday, February 10, 2024)
• Victoria Day and the three calendar days preceding (May 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2024)
• Canada Day and the three calendar days preceding (June 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 2024)
• Diwali (Friday, November 1, 2024)

For at-home fireworks displays that fall outside of the approved dates listed above please apply for a Fireworks Permit.

Here are the conditions that must be followed when using personal fireworks:

• Fireworks are discharged between sunset and 11:00 p.m. on the days specified above.
• Fireworks are discharged on lands owned by the person who sets off the consumer fireworks, or if he or she is not the owner, they have written permission from the property owner prior to doing so.
• The discharge of fireworks is performed in a safe manner so that fallout or debris lands on property the person owns or if he or she is not the owner, that they have written permission from the property owner to do so.
• The discharge of fireworks occurs in appropriate weather conditions.
• Fireworks are discharged in accordance with the manufacturer's safety instructions for each individual ordinance.
• The discharge of fireworks only occurs when a suitable means of extinguishment is readily available.
• The discharge of the fireworks are only handled and discharged by persons over 18 years of age.
• After discharge, the fireworks, casings, or other debris, are completely extinguished so as not to create a fire hazard.

If any contravention of these conditions results in the Brantford Fire Department being dispatched, the person and/or property owner may be charged with the cost of the Fire Department response according to the rates established in the City's Fees and Charges By-law.

Fireworks cannot be sold in the City of Brantford except on Victoria Day and Canada Day and five calendar days before these holidays. See the Brantford Municipal Code (Chapter 520) and Business Licensing for more information.

To ensure our community's safety, please note that:

• Firecrackers are strictly prohibited.
• Selling fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age is prohibited.

Safety during your family fireworks display

Pick one responsible person to handle and discharge fireworks, who should be aware of all hazards and safety precautions.

Make sure to:

• Carefully read and follow the label 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 onlookers a safe distance away and upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.

Lighting fireworks

When you're lighting fireworks, make sure that:

• Your fireworks are properly planted on the ground and never try to light a firework in your hand.
• You only light one firework at a time.
• You discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.

Burns

Run cool water over any burns for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

Dud fireworks

Do not try to re-light dud fireworks. It is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. You can dispose of them afterwards in a metal container.

Sparklers

Make sure that you keep sparklers away from young children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, which can result in severe burns or cause blindness.

Don't forget to soak your used sparklers in water to avoid any injury. The sparkler's wire is still very hot after it burns out.