Ottawa fire crews respond to eight fireworks-related incidents on Victoria Day

Fire crews responded to eight separate fireworks-related incidents in Ottawa on Victoria Day.

According to Ottawa Fire Services (OFS), firefighters responded to four grass fires, one fence fire, one tree on fire and two garbage bin blazes, all caused by improper disposal of fireworks.

The largest of the blazes was a grass fire near Riverside Drive and Hunt Club Road. Crews arrived on scene around 9 p.m., and had the fire under control about 30 minutes later. 

Firefighters were also called to a home on Dumaurier Avenue around 11:45 p.m., after reports a firework had hit the residence while people were inside, but it was determined no fire had extended into the home. 

OFS tells CityNews Ottawa, the number of incidents is above the yearly average for the number of calls the service gets on Victoria Day for improper use of fireworks.

While OFS does not recommend the use of fireworks due to the risk of injury and fire, anyone who chooses to use them is asked to adhere to the following safety tips: 

• Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
• Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
• Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
• Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
• Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
• Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
• Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury

Residents can visit here for safety tips. 

Fireworks can only be set off in Ottawa on Victoria Day and Canada Day, and the days immediately before/after.