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London Fire Department (LFD) is preparing Londoners on how to safely use and enjoy fireworks while celebrating the May long weekend.
“There is an upcoming plan that has been worked on that gets the message out to the community,” says Deputy Firefighter Chief Richard Hayes
LFD will be advising the public through conversations and their social media platforms to spread the word.
“It involves things like frontline conversations with our crews and involves social media attention and media attention,” says Hayes.
In the summer of 2023, the city set forth new by-laws restricting the use of fireworks on personal property. The city is allowing for the use of fireworks for only a certain amount of time on May 20th.
“This long weekend, it’s important to remember that fireworks are permitted exclusively on Monday, May 20, from sundown until 11:00 p.m. in celebration of Victoria Day. Let’s ensure our festivities are safe and respectful by adhering to these regulations. Any unauthorized fireworks display will be met with enforcement measures and potential fines” says Mayor Josh Morgan.
If by-laws are broken, Londoners could face steep penalties depending on the severity of damages.
“Our biggest concern is making sure that everybody is safe and that there’s no damage to property so that everybody can have a good time but when we’re looking at fines they could potentially be up to $5000 dollars if somebody is deemed in contravention of the bylaw,” says Hayes
By-laws state that fireworks being used during festivities must be a part of a specific classification that permits them to be used within city limits.
“There are provisions within the bylaw that outline what is permitted and not permitted,” says Hayes.
“Anything that is an F2 classification under the Explosive Safety Act is considered to be display fireworks and you need a license for those, so anything that’s sold and in stores has to be sold with a license under the bylaw services with a set amount they can have in one place and one time,” says Hayes
The city also requires vendors, planning to sell fireworks, must have a valid license provided by the city. Sales of fireworks will be permitted only five days before the long weekend
