Everything you need to know about using fireworks in Mississauga

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Fireworks have been a staple for celebrations, lighting up the night sky for special occasions for decades. Whether for a holiday, a celebration, an event or for religious or cultural reasons, the bright lights, beautiful colours and sounds are nostalgic.

However, ever stop to think that the word “fireworks” includes the word “fire”? That’s because they come with a risk of fire if they aren’t used properly or safely.
In Mississauga, the use of fireworks is regulated by by-laws, rules and guidelines to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone in the community.

It’s important for all residents to understand what fireworks are, how and when they can be used, and the legal considerations surrounding their use. Remember to make safety a priority – for you and those around you.

What are fireworks?

Fireworks are pyrotechnic-explosive devices designed for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. They are designed to produce visual and auditory effects by combustion, explosion or a combination of both. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and effects, often featuring vibrant colours and intricate patterns.

Fireworks can be categorized into two types according to National Resources Canada.

Consumer fireworks

Consumer fireworks are designed for outdoor enjoyment and can be used by the public. However, they come with certain regulations that must be followed. They include Roman candles, fountains, wheels, volcanoes and mines. Learn more: Explosives Regulations.

Novelty fireworks

Novelty devices such as sparklers are mostly used outdoors, depending on the type. These fireworks contain small amounts of pyrotechnic composition.
Learn more: Explosives Regulations.

Fireworks in Mississauga

In Mississauga, fireworks are typically associated with celebrations such as Canada Day, New Year’s Eve and other significant events like weddings and birthdays.

While fireworks are legal for residents to use, the City has several rules, regulations and guidelines that must be followed.

The City clearly communicates designated times for fireworks use, allowing people to prepare accordingly.

Why does the City allow fireworks? Why have rules?

The City allows residents to use fireworks because they play a role in preserving cultural identity, celebrating religious traditions, and uniting communities through shared experiences.

For many Mississauga residents, fireworks are more than just entertainment and can be meaningful symbols. They can be used to mark moments of joy or historic events. Fireworks help people connect with their heritage, spiritual beliefs, and celebrate with a sense of awe, unity and pride.

Permitting fireworks, within limits and restrictions set by City by-laws, respects our City’s diverse cultural makeup, while promoting public safety and community well-being. It helps strengthen community ties but also limits the amount of stress fireworks can have on those around us, including pets, wildlife and the environment. Together, this makes our City more inclusive, vibrant, and reflective of residents that call Mississauga home.

Fireworks for celebrations

Every year, on five specific celebrations, residents do not need a permit from the City to use fireworks at home on their private property. The City of Mississauga’s Fireworks Licensing and Use By-law regulates the use of fireworks in Mississauga. The current by-law allows residents to use fireworks at home, on their private property, from dusk until 11 p.m. on:

• Lunar New Year
• Victoria Day
• Canada Day
• Diwali
• New Year’s Eve (from dusk until 1 a.m.)

The City of Mississauga also hosts events for Canada Day and New Year’s Eve with public fireworks displays to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Using fireworks

Fireworks must only be used by adults. You must be at least 18 years old to buy, store and use consumer fireworks. If you decide you would like to use fireworks, there are a few things you should consider before buying them.

1. Take time to understand the federal laws and municipal by-laws (e.g., City of Mississauga’s Fireworks Licensing and Use By-law).
2. Learn more about restrictions like whether you need a permit and how to apply.
3. Understand where and when you are allowed to use fireworks in Mississauga.
4. Buy fireworks from a reputable vendor. Those who can sell fireworks in Mississauga are licensed to do so by the City.
5. Always check if Mississauga has any fire bans in place. Fireworks produce sparks that could cause a fire during hot and dry weather and may be included in the fire ban.
6. Remember to use fireworks within the allowed hours set by the City’s by-law.
7. Be considerate of your neighbours, including seniors, children, pets and those with disabilities.

Permits

Residents can apply for a fireworks display permit if they want to set off fireworks on private property on any day other than the permitted days. These permits are approved by Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES). A permit from the City is also required to use fireworks in City parks. Fireworks are prohibited on public streets.

Buying fireworks

Buying fireworks often happens around holidays or major cultural or religious celebrations. Make sure to buy from licensed and reputable stores that adhere to federal and municipal regulations. Stay away from illegal explosives, firecrackers and fireworks. Do not try to make your own.

Transporting and storing fireworks

Be responsible when transporting fireworks to ensure they are not damaged. Ensure they are stored in a secure manner, where children can’t access them. Keep them away from heat sources, flammable substances and only use them outside.

Setting off fireworks

Safety should be a top priority when handling and setting off fireworks. Here are a few tips and guidelines from the Canada Safety Council to follow:

• Know the rules by familiarizing yourself with federal laws and City by-laws.
• Read the instructions, cautions and warning labels on each firework you have purchased.
• Set up outdoors in a clear, open space on private property. Use fireworks away from homes, vehicles, trees, overhead wires, and flammable objects. Light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface for stability.
• Keep children at a safe distance and away from where the fireworks are being lit. Check the wind to make sure it’s blowing away from spectators.
• Spectators should be away from the display. Check the safety distance written on the fireworks label.
• Wear protective eyeglasses and gloves when handling the fireworks. Light at arm’s length and then stand back.
• Never lean over the fireworks. Keep hair and clothes away from fire sources.
• Never attempt to re-light a faulty or defective unit.
• Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
• Light fireworks one at a time to reduce the risk of malfunction.
• Have a bucket of sand, a supply of water and a working fire extinguisher nearby.

Disposing of fireworks

To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and dispose of them in your garbage.

Be sure to clean up the area where you used fireworks. Remove any leftover debris, wrapper, packaging materials and dispose of them in your garbage.

Noise levels and pets

Fireworks can be loud and noisy. The loud sounds can be stressful for pets and unsettling for some residents. To minimize the impact, pet owners can take proactive steps such as keeping animals indoors during peak fireworks hours, creating a quiet and comfortable space, and using calming techniques or music to help keep them calm.

Residents sensitive to noise may benefit from earplugs, sound machines, or planning quiet time away from high-activity firework areas.

If your neighbour is using fireworks

Mississauga is an inclusive city, and everyone has a role to play in keeping our community safe and enjoyable. While it is the responsibility of those using fireworks to use them safely and legally, it is also the responsibility of others in the community to be aware of the fireworks rules before reporting a fireworks incident to the City.

First, check the City’s fireworks webpage to see if your neighbour is using fireworks on the City-permitted dates, at home on their private property, and within the allowed hours – that indicates legal use of fireworks. If you have safety concerns regarding the use of fireworks, you could speak to your neighbour if you have a good relationship with them. Alternatively, report the illegal use of fireworks to the City through the online form or by calling 311.

Misuse or non-compliance of City by-laws

If someone in your neighbourhood or community is misusing fireworks, please call 311. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints unless there is an emergency like a fire, injury or death.

Residents can also contact the City about fireworks in the following ways:

• Submit a complaint online at any time of day or night or call 311 (905-615-4311 outside city limits) for illegal fireworks use or improper sale of fireworks. Once residents have submitted the complaint, the City’s Enforcement staff will respond, if necessary. This response may include an onsite investigation. Illegal use of fireworks can lead to fines of $300 or more.
• Call the Facility Watch Program at 905-615-4060, if fireworks are being deployed in City parks or on school property.
• Call Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services’ non-emergency line at 905-456-5700 for all other fireworks inquiries.

With some planning, understanding and following the rules and guidelines, residents across Mississauga can enjoy fireworks while showing respect for those who may be affected or sensitive to fireworks.

Visit mississauga.ca/fireworks for more information about fireworks use in Mississauga.

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• Enforcement and Fines
• Public Information/311
• Public Safety