Celebrate Lunar New Year safely: Follow the fireworks rules

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Over the next two weeks, families and communities across Mississauga, in particular Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian communities, are preparing to welcome Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. Celebrating Lunar New Year can be traced back for more than 3,000 years and is traditionally a time for families to gather in honour of the holiday.

This is a time marked by gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, exchanging gifts and celebrating cultural traditions that symbolize renewal, prosperity and good fortune. Mississauga residents will mark the occasion with cleaning, decorations, lanterns and music.

Other Lunar New Year traditions include cleaning and decorating the home, gathering for dinners and setting off firecrackers and fireworks as part of their celebrations. In Mississauga, Lunar New Year is one of five designated holidays when residents are allowed to set off consumer fireworks without a permit on their own private property.

Fireworks for Lunar New Year

As preparations for Lunar New Year are underway, the City of Mississauga is reminding residents to follow the Fireworks By-law, related rules and other safety measures when using fireworks at home so that celebrations are safe and enjoyable for everyone. This year, you can light fireworks at home, on your private property, on Tuesday, February 17 from 6 to 10 p.m.

In 2025, Council voted to amend the Fireworks By-Law to add additional restrictions, including:

• Prohibiting the use and sale of Roman Candle fireworks
• Restricting the sale of fireworks to only 10 days before the holiday, but not the day of.
• No longer allowing permits for consumer fireworks. Only permits for display or professional fireworks will be approved.

Remember, you cannot use consumer fireworks in parks, parking lots, streets, sidewalks or property you don’t own.

Refrain from calling 911 for fireworks complaints unless someone is injured or there is a fire risk due to improper use of fireworks. To submit a complaint about illegal use of fireworks, visit mississauga.ca/fireworks or call 311.

Fire safety

Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate and come together with family and friends. Make fire safety a priority when setting up and enjoying lights and decorations, and when cooking.

Lights and decorations

If you’re planning to use candles, remember to keep them in a sturdy holder on a heat-resistant surface. Keep flames a safe distance from curtains, lanterns, furniture, decorations and loose clothing. Keep children and pets away from all sources of heat and flames.

Cooking and kitchen safety

When cooking, keep fire safety in mind:

• Stay focused while cooking. Turn off appliances if you leave the kitchen.
• Keep flammable items like towels and clothing away from the stovetop.
• Never cook or barbecue in your garage.
• Refrain from using portable gas stoves or grills indoors. They’re meant for outdoor use only.
• Be careful when frying and cooking with oil. Hot oil can easily catch fire. If you’re deep-frying, use a fryer with a temperature control so the oil doesn’t get too hot.

Be mindful of your neighbours

When hosting or attending a party or gathering, be respectful of your neighbours to avoid a possible fine. Make sure to follow the rules of the City’s Noise Control By-law by keeping noise levels down on Monday to Saturday from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and from Saturday 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday. Gather responsibly to prevent negative impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood.

Follow all parking rules and signs. On-street parking is permitted for up to five hours, unless posted otherwise or if the City implements a Citywide Winter Parking Restriction. If you or your guests need to park on the street for longer, request a Temporary Parking Permit. Remember, you are not allowed to park your vehicle in any areas with ‘no parking’ signs posted. Do not block the sidewalk or a neighbour’s driveway when parking.

During this festive time for many Mississauga residents, the City wishes you much health, happiness and a prosperous year ahead in the new year. Happy Lunar New Year!

Learn more about the use of fireworks in Mississauga and the process for reporting illegal use of fireworks: mississauga.ca/fireworks

Learn more about how to prevent a fire: mississauga.ca/fire

Tags

• By-laws and Policy
• Enforcement and Fines
• Fire and Emergency Services