Be careful using fireworks for Lunar New Year celebrations: Fire department

The Saskatoon Fire Department is urging everyone ringing in the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Horse with fireworks to be cautious.

Low-hazard fireworks are permitted on private property from dusk on Feb. 16 until 12:15 a.m. on Feb. 17 the fire department said.

Read more:

The low-hazard fireworks, which made for public recreational use, are designed to travel less than 50 metres high. Some examples include Roman candles, sparklers, foundations, wheels, volcanoes, mines and snakes, the fire department noted.

High-hazard fireworks are designed for professionals, and can only be bought by someone holding a valid Fireworks Supervisor card, which are issued by Natural Resources Canada.

The fire department reminded residents and spectators of the risks and obligations associated with fireworks, and shared some tips to help everyone stay safe during the celebrations:

Carefully read and observe the manufacturer instructions.
Be careful when handling or setting off any type of fireworks.
Pick your location carefully, as fireworks can only be set off on private property.
Learn about the space requirements for the type of fireworks being used, as requirements vary depending on the firework type.
Check the launch site for overhead obstructions and ensure it is far away from combustible materials.
Make sure it is not windy and that all spectators are safely positioned to observe the display.
Properly secure the fireworks for launch, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Other than sparklers, never light or hold a lit firework in your hand.
Always light the fuse at its tip.
Never try to relight or fix the fuse on fireworks that do not go off.
Have water available to extinguish debris or smouldering embers before they cause an injury or spark a fire.

“Keep in mind that you are solely responsible for any debris that may land on spectators or another’s property,” the fire department added.