Canada Day fireworks can come with risks. How to stay safe – National [Video]

If you’re planning to set off fireworks this Canada Day weekend, some fire chiefs say you should take safety precautions before doing so or skip doing it yourself and attend a fireworks show instead.

Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, told Global News that when it comes to fireworks, the organization’s stance is clear.

“Our first and foremost concern is your safety and the safety of the public,” he said. “We do have a position, and we believe that fireworks should only — and I repeat, only — be used by certified professionals.”

Fireworks can be purchased legally in Canada by anyone 18 and older, though the federal government notes they should always be purchased from a reputable retailer that sells products that meet the country’s safety rules and standards.

But though it’s advised to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals, McMullen says there are things you can …