You can set off fireworks on your private property until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. You will need a permit to set off fireworks on all other days. Be safe when setting off fireworks in your backyard and dispose of used or unused fireworks correctly.
Fireworks are banned in parks and on beaches. You are also not allowed to set off fireworks in a street, a parking lot, on a balcony or any private property that is not your own.
Contact 311 to report the use of fireworks in a City park or beach, and possible misuse of fireworks.
You are only allowed to use consumer fireworks on your private property two days a year. Consumer fireworks include low hazard fireworks for recreation, such as fireworks showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pinwheels, Roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers and other similar devices.
You can set off consumer fireworks on your own private property until 11 p.m. on:
You will need a permit from Toronto Fire Services to set off fireworks on all other days. When a permit is issued, you will not be authorized to discharge fireworks past 11 p.m. To request a permit, contact tfs_events@toronto.ca or 416-338-8783. Under the Fireworks Bylaw, you may be fined $1000 for setting off consumer fireworks without a permit on days other than Victoria Day or Canada Day.
Possession and discharge of fireworks are banned in parks and on beaches. You are also not allowed to set off fireworks in a street, a parking lot or any private property that is not your own. Under the Parks Bylaw, you may be fined $600 for possessing or setting off fireworks in a park or beach.
Always be aware of your surroundings when using fireworks. Do not discharge fireworks where it may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property.
Fireworks have the potential to cause serious injury. Toronto Fire Services prefers that families visit a community fireworks presentation conducted by a professional firework display company.
If you are hosting your own backyard fireworks display, make sure you have the proper sized yard and that there are no buildings or trees nearby.
Only responsible adults should supervise and set off the fireworks. Children and those under 18 years old are not permitted to discharge fireworks.
Always follow the manufacturers label for the fireworks you purchase. This will include information on how far away the spectators need to be so that everyone can stay safe.
Take the time to prepare, protect and prevent: prepare for a safe display, protect all and prevent fireworks accidents. The following list of safety tips is for adults hosting their own backyard fireworks event.
During fireworks displays, pets can become scared and run away from homes and loud noises. Here are some simple safety tips to protect your pets:
It is important to safely dispose of fireworks. Improper disposal of fireworks can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and at facilities. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin (recycling).
To dispose of used or unused fireworks, submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Wrap the soaked fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out, and put them in the Garbage Bin.
Dispose of used or unused fireworks in small quantities – up to 10 items at a time. Additional quantities of fireworks should be placed in the Garbage Bin over separate garbage collection dates.
Lighters with fuel must be disposed of as household hazardous waste.
Victoria Day and Canada Day both fall during nesting season. Fireworks can have negative consequences for Toronto’s birds and their babies. Fireworks can:
What can you do?
Learn more about birds and wildlife in Toronto.