It can be fun to celebrate major holidays with fireworks. The Town of Innisfil recently amended the Fireworks By-law to better regulate the use and sale of consumer fireworks in our community. Make sure to review our safety tips and always be respectful of your neighbours when using fireworks.

The use of firecrackers and flying lanterns in Innisfil is prohibited.

Setting off consumer fireworks

You can set off fireworks between dusk and 11 p.m. on the following holidays each year without a permit:

  • First day of Lunar New Year
  • First day of the Islamic Month of Shawwal in observance of Eid al-Fitr
  • Victoria Day
  • Third day of Diwali 
  • Canada Day

You can set off fireworks between dusk and 1 a.m. the following day on New Year's Eve without a permit. In the event of inclement weather, the Chief Fire Official may declare an alternate day. Violating the Fireworks By-law may result in fines.

Where can I set off fireworks?

You can only set off fireworks on property that you own or lease. If you don't own or lease the property, you need to have permission from the property owner. You can't set off consumer fireworks:

  • In, on or into any building, structure, tent, trailer, camp, shelter, fence or automobile
  • On land owned by the Town or InnServices without written consent
  • Within 50 m of hospitals, long-term care homes or nursing homes, retirement homes, licensed group homes, and veterinary hospitals or kennels
  • Within 50 m of a place where explosives, gasoline or other highly flammable substances are commercially manufactured, stored or sold
  • Within 500 m of the property boundary of lands used for livestock

Reporting violations

For after-hours by-law matters, please call 705-436-3710 and select Ext. 5 to leave a message and the next available community standards officer will investigate your concern. For urgent by-law matters after 11 p.m., please contact South Simcoe Police at 705-436-2141 Ext. 0.

Fireworks permits

Please contact us by email at innisfilfire@innisfil.ca or give us a call at 705-456-2318 with at least 14 days of notice.

Safety tips

Make sure to follow these safety tips when setting off fireworks:

  • Appoint a responsible person to be in charge
  • Carefully read and follow the label directions on the firework packaging
  • Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks
  • Discharge fireworks far away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass
  • Any spectators should be a safe distance away and upwind from where the fireworks are discharged
  • Only light one firework at a time when they are on the ground
  • Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks
  • Don't discharge fireworks during strong winds or unsafe weather conditions

If you have a dud firework, you should:

  • Wait 30 minutes
  • Soak them in a bucket of water
  • Dispose of them in a metal container

If someone gets burned, you should run cold water over the area for three to five minutes and seek medical attention if necessary.

Safety tips for pet owners

Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. The Humane Society offers these tips to keep pets safe and happy during seasonal celebrations:

  • Walk your pet before the noise starts and leave your pet safely indoors during fireworks if possible
  • Be sure your gates or doors are secured to prevent your pet from running off 
  • Turn on a radio or TV to soften jarring noises
  • Close your blinds or curtains to block out some of the flashing lights
  • Keep your pet busy with a special treat
  • Contact your veterinarian for medications and techniques that might help alleviate your pet's fear and anxiety
  • Ensure that your pet is wearing ID tags or is microchipped and that the chip is properly registered with your current contact information

Respecting your neighbours and community

We care about all community members and ask that you respect your neighbours while using fireworks. Some folks can be negatively affected by excessive noise or inappropriate use of fireworks.

Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental illness that results from exposure to trauma. People with PTSD who have suffered a traumatic event involving loud sounds can experience trouble sleeping when fireworks are being set off.

Children and pets

Generally, noise from fireworks can:

  • Cause distress
  • Keep children from sleeping
  • Aggravate and scare pets

Older adults

Older adults often have health concerns or trouble sleeping. Fireworks can increase their discomfort and recovery from health issues.