City preaches fireworks safety as Year of the Dragon approaches

The Year of the Dragon is fast approaching, and many will celebrate the Chinese New Year with fireworks and sparklers.

According to the City of Saskatoon, local bylaws were amended in September to allow “low-hazard fireworks” in recognition of the Lunar New Year be fired off on private property between dusk on Friday and 12:15 a.m. on Saturday.

“Low-hazard fireworks are designed for public recreational use,” the city explained in a statement.

“These fireworks travel less than 50m (160ft) high and include items such as roman candles, sparklers, fountains, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes.”

High-hazard fireworks, on the other hand, can only be purchased by those holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor card from Natural Resources Canada.

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The city also offered a number of tips to help keep residents safe during home fireworks displays, including reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions, choosing a location carefully and being familiar with the space requirements for the fireworks being used.

Residents were also advised to check for overhead obstructions and any combustible materials nearby, check wind conditions and make sure spectators are watching from a safe distance. A supply of water should also be kept handy.

Fireworks should be properly stabilized before lighting, the city added, and residents were reminded never to relight or fix the fuse of a firework that fails to go off.

“Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property,” the city noted.

More information on Saskatoon’s fireworks regulations can be found on the city’s website.