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Fireworks Safety

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In order to use fireworks within Edmonton, you are required to have a Fireworks Permit. It is recommended to apply for a permit at least 5 working days in advance of an event as a number of conditions may be challenging to meet in a short period of time.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services encourages the public to attend community or civic fireworks events as a safer alternative to personal use. If you have obtained a permit for personal use, please follow all fireworks safety tips and conditions below to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please Note: Persons discharging, firing or setting off fireworks within the City of Edmonton limits are required to call the Fire Rescue Services Dispatch Centre at 780-414-7332 a minimum of 30-45 minutes prior to the discharge of fireworks.

Fireworks Safety Tips

Before you use fireworks, always check Alberta Fire Bans to find out if there is a fire ban in effect
Before you use fireworks, check the weather conditions to ensure the wind conditions are safe
Follow all the instructions for the safe use of the fireworks. Pay special attention to personal and public safety measures
Follow all the restrictions for storage and use, to ensure that the firework performs as expected
Have a responsible adult handle and discharge the fireworks
Keep fireworks and sparklers away from children
Always have a proper fire extinguisher and a supply of water nearby when using fireworks

Conditions for Consumer/Family Fireworks

Consumer/Family Fireworks Permits may be issued by Edmonton Fire Rescue Services to purchase, possess, store and discharge fireworks under the following conditions:

1) No person under the age of eighteen (18) years shall purchase, possess handle, discharge, fire or set off fireworks

2) The permit applicant must be certified to a minimum, “Display Assistant” level under the Explosive Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada

3) Provide a list of all products, as well as the burst height and safe spectator distance for the maximum height and distance product

4) Provide an acceptable site plan identifying discharge location, fallout zone, discharge area, spectator area, geographical features and building locations with appropriate site dimensions

5) Event description with means of visual identification of spectator viewing area

6) Emergency Action plan and Fire Safety plan

7) Site remediation strategy

8) A listed and labeled portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2A (2 1⁄2 Gallon of water) shall be provided in the immediate area where fireworks are being discharged, fired or set off

9) Proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000.00 coverage

10) Payment of applicable permit fees as per bylaw 15309 schedule B

11) Land use authority

No person shall discharge, fire or set off fireworks:

1) In a place or manner that creates a danger to any person or property

2) On a highway, road allowance, public beach or park unless they first obtain written permission from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

3) On privately owned land unless they:

a) First obtain the written consent of the owner or occupant of that land and the owner or occupant of neighbouring land on which debris might reasonably be expected to fall, and
b) Provide a copy of the consent required in Sub-clause (c)(i) to the AHJ

4) In a building or place, unless:

a) The fireworks are specifically designed and clearly marked by the manufacturer for such use, and
b) The building or place is acceptable to the AHJ

5) Within 10 metres of any building, tent, trailer, canvas shelter or motor vehicle

6) Within 200 metres of any place where explosives or flammable liquids or combustible liquids or substances are manufactured or stored*

7) Within 250 metres of a correctional institution as defined in the Corrections Act, a facility as defined in the Mental Health Act, a nursing home within the meaning of the Nursing Homes Act, a social care facility as defined in the Social Care Facilities Licensing Act, a hospital as defined in the Hospitals Act, an educational institution or a church, unless acceptable to the AHJ or*
*unless an acceptable mitigation plan is approved

8) When the wind velocity exceeds 45 km.hr. or when in the opinion of the fire department, weather conditions create an undue fire hazard

a) Where and when a municipal or provincial fire ban is in effect

Fireworks shall not be discharged, fired or set off from, on or over:

1) Public land as defined in the Public Lands Act or

2) A forest protection area designated under the Forest and Prairie Protection Act unless written permission issued by a forest officer for that purpose has been obtained

Additional conditions:

1) Any time Consumer/Family Fireworks are stored in a dwelling unit (amount not to exceed 10 kg), they shall be stored in a secure container, in a cool, dry area, and away from an open flame, excessive heat or spark producing equipment or tools

2) Persons discharging, firing or setting off fireworks within the City of Edmonton limits are required to call the Fire Rescue Services Dispatch Centre at 780-414-7332 a minimum of 30-45 minutes prior to the discharge of fireworks

Fireworks Permits

Requirements

To qualify for a permit, you must demonstrate:

You are the property owner or, if you are not the property owner, you have written permission from the owner and proof of insurance coverage
You have sufficient clear space from property lines, buildings, spectators, trees, shrubs, and other combustibles to meet the manufacturer's required clearances found on the fireworks packaging

Obtain a Fireworks Permit

You can apply for a Fireworks permit at:

The Fire Prevention Office

10425-106 Avenue
(Access from the northeast corner of the building)
Monday to Fridays: 8am-4:30pm

Purchasing Fireworks for Use Outside of Edmonton

To purchase fireworks for use outside of Edmonton you must have written permission from the authority having jurisdiction in the region in which the fireworks will be used (the local fire department). This permission must have a date no older than 2 weeks before the time of purchase.

Fire Talk

Fire Talk is information on fire safety and fire prevention, translated into 19 different languages.

For More Information

Fire Prevention Office

Telephone	780-496-3628
Email	cmsfpspecialevents@edmonton.ca

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