Blast! Hamilton fireworks complaints jump during the pandemic

Complaints about illegal, unsafe or just plain unpopular backyard fireworks in Hamilton have jumped during the pandemic - spurring at least one councillor to speculate about whether a ban is needed.

The bylaw department responded to at least 23 fireworks complaints in 2020 and had already fielded 12 this year even before Canada Day. That compares to 16 in total in 2019 and only seven the previous year.

That's likely an incomplete list, added city bylaw head Monica Ciriello, because some fireworks calls end up tracked only as noise complaints." Hamilton's fire department does not separately track calls related to fireworks, but said one fire was caused by inappropriate use" of fireworks this year.

Coun. Brad Clark said he is hearing more resident complaints about backyard fireworks this year - particularly the giant cannons" that can shower hot embers onto people's roofs, decks and yards.

Fireworks today can be much bigger, they go higher and there is a higher risk of fires as a result," said the Stoney Creek councillor, who recently heard from an irate homeowner who watched neighbouring fireworks debris fall from the sky to melt holes" in a pool cover.

Some of them are a lot louder than what I remember from when we were kids. They can scare the crap out of you," he added, noting he hears most often from frustrated families with fearful young children or pets.

Hamilton only allows residents to set off fireworks without a permit during a short window of time around the Victoria Day weekend and Canada Day.

Last year, council temporarily banned any home fireworks at the request of fire officials concerned about the implications of pandemic gatherings.

The ban was lifted this year, but Clark said he has heard from at least a dozen residents about fireworks displays at random times not connected with the legal holidays.

There were calls this week to abandon traditional Canada Day celebrations like fireworks out of respect for Indigenous residents grieving the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves at former residential schools.

But online, late-night fireworks on the holiday - and in the early morning afterwards - spurred a fresh round of complaints online. It remains legal to set them off until midnight Saturday.

If the number of fireworks safety complaints continue to rise, Clark said council may be forced to have the conversation" about a permanent ban on what is still a popular backyard tradition.

It would not be any easy debate, Clark noted, adding he empathizes with families searching for pandemic-safe entertainment after being locked away" so often during the COVID pandemic.

There's a pent-up need for some excitement," he said. But at the same time, these aren't just Roman candles or sparklers. These are large, loud fireworks and they can be dangerous."

Hamilton's fire department only noted one fire related to fireworks this year. But in Ottawa, fireworks were linked to eight accidental blazes around the Victoria Day weekend alone.

Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com

Fireworks dos and don'ts

When is it legal?

Without a permit, backyard fireworks are only allowed this Canada Day and the two days immediately before or after the holiday. That makes Saturday at midnight the latest you can legally set of fireworks this year.

Where is it legal?

On private property. Setting off firecrackers on the road or in a park is illegal. Don't set up under a tree or hydro wires, near a building or anything that can easily be set on fire.

Who is legal?

You have to be 18 or older to legally set off fireworks. Also remember ongoing COVID physical distancing protocols and limits on large outdoor gatherings.

How do I stay safe?

The fire department recommends keeping a water hose or pail of water handy during private fireworks displays and to avoid windy conditions. Read label directions carefully, because different sizes of fireworks have different recommended discharge distances.

Who do I call?

To make a noise complaint, email mle@hamilton.ca or call police after hours at 905-546-4925.

Safety information

For more safety information:

hamilton.ca/FireworksSafety