By-law of the month
Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law
By-laws are put in place to ensure a safe and orderly community for all who live, work and play in Vaughan. Each month, the City of Vaughan explores a different by-law and what it means for you. This month, let’s take a look at the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law.
Under this by-law, the only days fireworks may be set off without a permit are Victoria Day and Canada Day. That means you must get a permit from the City to light fireworks in Vaughan on all other days of the year. Fireworks must end by 10 p.m. on the permitted day.
To apply for a permit, submit a Fireworks Display Permit Application (PDF) with a site drawing to fireprevention@vaughan.ca. It may take up to 10 business days to process once received.
Once you have your permit, remember to exercise caution around fireworks and follow proper usage tips to ensure they can be enjoyed safely.
Follow these safety guidelines from Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service:
DO
Read and follow firework label directions.
Buy your fireworks from a licensed vendor – only use legal fireworks.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
Operate fireworks outdoors and in an open area at least 30 metres by 30 metres. Make sure the area is clear of all obstructions, such as overhead wires and trees.
Keep the audience (particularly children and pets) a safe distance away from the launch site, preferably upwind.
Have water available nearby (garden hose and bucket).
Wear eye protection and non-flammable clothing when operating fireworks.
Ignite the fireworks from a bucket of sand.
- Dispose of used fireworks responsibly by soaking them in a container of water overnight before putting them in the garbage.
DO NOT
Reignite a firework that did not go off properly the first time.
Experiment or make your own fireworks.
Give fireworks or sparklers to anyone under 18 years old.
You can only light fireworks on your property. Setting off fireworks in a park, roadway, sidewalk or any other public property is illegal.
Fireworks must not be set off from any window, doorway, balcony, terrace or deck in a multi-residential property, or any common area of the property.
Any person violating the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics By-law 089-2022 (PDF) may receive a penalty of at least $200 for each offence. If a minor violates the by-law, the parents or guardian may be fined for the offence.
Fireworks must not be set off where the discharge, smoke or fallout can land on another person or their property or where it creates a threat of injury or fire.
To report misuse of fireworks, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281. To learn more about fireworks safety, visit vaughan.ca/fireworks. York Regional Police can be reached at 9-1-1 for emergencies and 1-866-876-5423 for non-emergencies.
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