Celebrating Victoria Day long weekend with fireworks: Safety tips from the pros

It’s the first Victoria Day long weekend in two years where COVID-19-related restrictions have been lifted from coast to coast.

Anne Rastin, the owner of Victory Fireworks, has been in the firework business for 35 years and says they are excited to be doing public light shows again.

“So the last two years, we couldn’t do any events because there were no public gatherings. Thank goodness this year, all of our events are back on. We have our regular 14 Canada Day shows. We are doing Downsview Park and Aurora and Peele Island,” says Rastin.

“We are delighted to be back doing displays.”

Both Canada’s Wonderland and Ashbridges Bay will be hosting their annual in-person shows but for those choosing to host their own light show, Rastin recommends a few essential safety tips.

“There are certain fireworks, like the long skinny ones. They have to go into a sand bucket, which holds them quite sturdy. But then we have the multi-shot cakes, and they can get placed down on a flat surface. Not grass because they’ll bounce, but we always recommend putting a brick beside them on a flat surface to hold them steady,” Rastin says.

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“My most important safety tip is to keep your audience back a minimum of 35 metres. If it could be further, it’s better. We always recommend not being under the influence of anything when you’re lighting [the firework]. Afterwards, do whatever you want, but when you’re lighting, please be totally with it.”

Raskin also suggests not lighting any fireworks if it’s windy.

Fireworks display on July 1st, 2020, Burlington. Photo: Unsplash.

In terms of firework recommendations, Raskin suggests buying “The Beast.”

“By far the best firework on the market is called ‘The Beast’; without a doubt, it’s a finale piece. If you’re only getting one piece, it’s the piece to get. It shoots up 49 shots, but it opens and crackles, and it’s absolutely magnificent.”

The Beast retails for just over $100.

The City of Toronto has compiled a list of resources for people planning their own fireworks shows, including safety tips.