The Victoria Day long weekend is synonymous with fireworks, but Londoners should be mindful of a bylaw that limits when the colourful display can be set-off.
Under Fireworks Bylaw PW-11, fireworks can only be discharged in the city between dusk and 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
“So this weekend, that is on Monday May 22 only. It doesn’t mean that fireworks are able to be discharged Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday,” said London Deputy Fire Chief Matt Hepditch. “Anytime outside of dusk to 11 p.m. on Monday is a violation of the bylaw and persons doing so may be subject to a fine for noise or discharge of fireworks not on days permitted by the bylaw.”
London’s fireworks bylaw has been in effect since 2016.
It also includes rules around where private displays can be ignited.
“Fireworks cannot be discharged on a street, highway, lane, square or public space without a permit. That also includes going to the school yard near your house or to a park near you,” said Hepditch.
He added that the number of complaints received about fireworks has risen significantly over the past three years.
“There are a lot of concerns coming forward with pets, the environment, and people who may have PTSD,” said Hepditch. “So there will be noise bylaw enforcement out and we will have some fire inspectors out as well on Monday to ensure that the bylaw is being complied with.”
Londoners planning a backyard display are advised to take steps to make safety a priority. This includes following all directions listed on firework packaging, keeping a hose or pail of water nearby, discharging fireworks away from combustibles like buildings and trees, lighting only one firework at a time, never trying to relight a dud, and keeping onlookers a safe distance away.
Noise complaints associated with fireworks displays in violation of the bylaw can be made to municipal compliance officers at 519-661-5670. An exact address of where the fireworks are being discharged is needed. Other fireworks-related concerns can be directed to the fire department’s non-emergency line at 519-661-5615 between 7 p.m. on Monday and 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday or emailed to fireforms@london.ca.
