From fireworks to cookouts – celebrate the long weekend safely

Summer may still officially be more than a month away, but as the days grow longer and warmer, many consider the Victoria Day long weekend to be the unofficial start to the summer season. For many, it’s a weekend for planting, getting to a patio, or hosting outdoor get-togethers. Whether you’re welcoming the warmer months with fireworks or an outdoor cookout, keep safety in mind so that everyone has a safe and fun time.

Fireworks

The City of Mississauga has a Fireworks By-law to regulate the lighting of fireworks within Mississauga. Fireworks for Victoria Day are allowed at home on your private property on Monday, May 20 from dusk until 11 p.m. Fireworks are not permitted on Saturday, May 18 or Sunday, May 19.

On holidays like Victoria Day when there is expected to be more fireworks activity, the City will increase the number of Enforcement officers on duty. This allows for more patrols, improves response time for complaints, and helps ensure celebrations stay safe.

To use fireworks on a public street or park, you must obtain a permit from the City or call 905-896-5908.

To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and dispose of them in your garbage bin.

Fire safety

Warm weather gets people excited about hosting outdoor cookouts or a barbeque. Make sure to keep fire safety top of mind.

• Never leave a barbeque unattended.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure you keep the heat away from children, pets and other vulnerable family members by at least 1 metre.
• Never cook or barbecue in your garage.
• Keep barbeques away from fences and buildings.
• Clean your grill after each use.
• Review the City’s BBQ safety guide for more tips.

You can also enjoy your outdoor fireplace, fire pit or smokehouse without a permit between sunrise and 11 p.m. as long as you follow the rules of the City’s Open Air Burning by-law, including:

• Ensure your fire is located at least five metres away from any building, structure, property line, tree, fence, roadway, or anything that could catch fire.
• Make sure the smoke and smell from your fire doesn’t cause a nuisance.
• Never leave the fire unattended until it is extinguished.

Whether you’re barbequing or enjoying an outdoor fire, always make sure to have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby.

Additional information

• Visit Mississauga’s fire prevention page for more tips on how to prevent a fire. If you think someone is having an illegal open air fire, or does not have a permit, you can report them by calling the City’s non-emergency dispatch centre at 905-456-5700.
• To submit a complaint about illegal use of fireworks, visit mississauga.ca/fireworks to learn more or call 311. Please do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.

Enjoy and be safe!

Tags

• Enforcement and Fines
• Fire and Emergency Services