The Fireworks experts™

Prepare the display area before lighting anything. Appoint one responsible adult to oversee the show and, where needed, one to four assistants to help with setup, observation, and clean-up.

• Read the instructions printed on each firework.
• Place the item on a firm, flat, stable surface.
• Keep spectators at the distance stated on the product.
• Use a long-reach lighter, punk, or suitable ignition device.
• Light the fuse at arm’s length and immediately move away.
• Never place any part of your body over a firework.

Unless you are appropriately trained or licensed, each consumer firework should normally be ignited individually. This gives the person responsible for the display time to verify that each item has fired correctly and that the firing area remains safe.

For a coordinated consumer display, position products in their planned firing order before the show begins. Use assistants only when they have been briefed, maintain safe separation between firing positions, and never improvise by joining product fuses together.

Keep fireworks in their original packaging or in a strong, appropriately labelled cardboard box. Protect the products from moisture, excessive heat, direct sunlight, sparks, and open flames.

• Secure the box so it cannot move or tip during transport.
• Do not carry fireworks in pockets or loose bags.
• Do not smoke inside or near a vehicle carrying fireworks.
• Never leave fireworks unattended in a hot vehicle.
• Travel directly to your destination whenever practical.

Larger quantities may be subject to additional federal or provincial transportation requirements.

Small quantities of consumer fireworks may generally be stored in a dwelling or an attached structure when applicable regulations are followed.

• Keep fireworks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.
• Store them away from heaters, flames, fuel, and ignition sources.
• Keep them inaccessible to children and anyone under 18.
• Leave the products in their original packaging.
• Do not seal fireworks inside an airtight plastic container.

Quantity limits and storage rules can change. Verify current requirements before storing a substantial amount.

Properly stored fireworks can have a long shelf life. Their condition depends primarily on keeping the products dry and protecting them from temperature extremes, physical damage, and moisture.

Before using an older item, inspect its packaging and fuse. Do not use a product that is wet, crushed, torn, leaking material, visibly damaged, or otherwise deteriorated.

Approved consumer fireworks generally do not require an additional federal licence for ordinary purchase or possession. To purchase and use consumer fireworks responsibly, you should:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Follow every instruction for safe use and clean-up.
• Properly plan and coordinate the display activities.

Note: Municipalities may restrict when, where, or for how long fireworks may be used, and some municipalities require a local permit. Check with your local civic or fire authority before planning a display.

A firework that fails to ignite or stops unexpectedly must be treated as though it could still function. Do not immediately approach it and never attempt to relight it.

1. Keep everyone away from the item for at least 15 minutes.
2. Approach cautiously only after the waiting period.
3. Soak the entire product thoroughly with water.
4. Leave it submerged when practical before disposal.
5. Follow local waste-disposal directions.

A strong display has a clear beginning, a varied middle, and a memorable finale. Mix different effects, heights, colours, tempos, and sound levels rather than firing similar products consecutively.

• Begin with an attention-grabbing effect.
• Alternate cakes, fountains, barrages, and other product types.
• Build intensity gradually instead of using everything at once.
• Allow brief pauses so individual effects remain distinct.
• Reserve several complementary items for the finale.

Choose products appropriate for the available space and maintain all required spectator distances.

Red Bomb can assist organizations, community groups, event planners, and corporate customers with product selection and fireworks packages for larger celebrations.

The appropriate solution depends on the event location, audience, available firing area, local rules, budget, and whether the display will use consumer fireworks or professionally controlled display products. Contact the Red Bomb team early so these requirements can be reviewed before the event.

Commercial display fireworks are not the same as ordinary consumer fireworks. Purchasing, possessing, transporting, and firing these products requires the appropriate federal certification, training, experience, and compliance with applicable regulations.

Prospective display operators should review the current requirements published by Natural Resources Canada and complete the applicable fireworks operator training and certification process. Additional municipal permissions, fire-department approvals, site plans, insurance, and storage or transportation documentation may also be required.