CK Fire & Rescue offers safety tips for the long weekend

By Rebecca Chouinard
May 20, 2023 6:15am

If you’re planning on lighting off fireworks or enjoying a fire in your backyard this Victoria Day weekend, Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue has some tips to ensure you stay safe and obey community by-laws.

There are various options for anyone interested in having a backyard fire in Chatham-Kent. On Friday, Public Educator Whitney Burk shared a graphic from the fire department’s social media showing examples of approved and non-approved burning devices.

Happy long weekend CK! Planning on enjoying a campfire this weekend? If so, please do so safely! Non approved burning devices require a Recreational Campfire Permit.
Want more information? Listen to @943CKSY this morning just after 8:30am or check out pic.twitter.com/dY91qigxGV

— Chatham-Kent Fire (@ckfiredept) May 19, 2023

For approved burning devices, the firebox must be less than 24 inches in diameter and must have a covering or enclosure. Examples of these include gas tables and chimeneas. Approved burning devices do not require a Recreational Campfire Permit.

Non-approved burning devices, such as fire pits or rings, do require one of these permits. Also, any device 25 inches or larger or that has an open flame must be placed at least 7.5 metres or 25 feet away from fencing, buildings, and other flammable structures.

Recreational Campfire Permits cost $21 and are good for 12 months. To find out how to obtain a fire permit, you can check out the Chatham-Kent Fire website, visit a municipal centre in-person, or call 311 and speak to a customer service agent.

“If you are having any type of campfire, please be respectful to neighbouring homes,” Burk urges. “Make sure the fire is controlled such that flames, and hot embers do not pose an undue risk and use clean and dry wood, charcoal or briquettes.”

When it comes to fireworks, the fire department prefers that local residents attend a professional display rather than lighting them off at home. However, those who do use fireworks at home are reminded of the dangers associated with these explosive devices.

“If you are planning on lighting off some fireworks, we just ask that you do it safely. Put a responsible person in charge, make sure that you always have a hose or a bucket of water nearby,” said Burk. “Obviously stay away from anything that could possibly light on fire – including observers. You want to make sure that you’re standing a good distance away from those fireworks.”

Burk also suggests staying away from vegetation, overhanging wires, and make sure you aim fireworks upwards, not leaning over.

If a firework isn’t working properly, CK Fire & Rescue says they should be thrown away. Any used or unused fireworks that are disposed of should be soaked in water to make sure they don’t re-light or explode.

In Chatham-Kent, fireworks can only be discharged three days prior to Victoria Day and three days after. They can only be set off until 11 p.m. Residents are not allowed to light them fireworks public parks or on the street without permission from the municipality.

“Firecrackers are strictly prohibited,” said a statement from the fire department.

Businesses are permitted to sell fireworks between now and Canada Day. The sale of fireworks will then be banned until 10 days before New Year’s. If you do purchase fireworks, never store them in a vehicle. As explosive devices, they should be kept in a cool, dry, and secure place away from where children can access them.

Another way to keep children safe is to avoid the use of sparklers, Burk says. There are safer alternatives like glow sticks and light up glasses available at many local retailers.