NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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This long-weekend, Canadians will be celebrating Canada’s Birthday.
In keeping with Canadian tradition, fireworks displays will be taking place across the country and overseen by fire services to ensure the safety of all spectators.
The Fireworks Spectacular will be displayed over Kempenfelt Bay on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at 10 p.m. However, many people will still choose to put on home-grown firework displays. A fireworks display loses a lot of its fun when injury or property damage occurs. So, avoid these tragedies and take care to handle these displays safely.There are a several Barrie by-laws and safety precautions to keep in mind.
Any persons contravening a Barrie by-law may be issued a fine from police, by-law personal and/or Barrie Fire:
- Setting of fireworks – winds exceeding 40 km/hr. - Fine $180
- Setting off fireworks on public highway/ public-park - Fine $240
- Ignite fireworks within 300 meters of hospital/nursing home/health lodge/school/church – When not authorized -Fine $240
- Setting off fireworks within eight meters of building/tent/trailer/camp/shelter/motor vehicle - Fine $240
- Setting of fireworks within 300 meters of explosive/gasoline or other flammable substances - Fine $490
- Setting of fireworks – creating danger - Fine $365
Fireworks safety tips:
- They can only be discharged five calendar days prior to the Canada Day Holiday
- You need to be 18 years of age to buy and set off fireworks
- Light them one at a time
- They cannot be discharged over roads /public parks
- Always have water handy. Keep a ready hose or water-filled bucket nearby
- Set up a safe-zone for your spectators, at least 20 m away from where you are activating the fireworks, and don't forget to check the wind direction. Winds cannot exceed 40 km/hr
- If the fireworks don't have a base, bury at least half of the firework in a bucket of sand or dirt
- Never try to re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can
- Always supervise children using sparklers. They stay hot for a while after they are extinguished
- Eye protection should always be worn when lightening fireworks, and never lean over the firework when lighting them
For more safety tips visit Seasonal Safety at the City of Barrie website. Happy Canada day!
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