One of the traditions of Victoria Day weekend is watching or setting off fireworks.
Beautiful as they are – safety is also key when setting off fireworks.
Robin Ferris is a certified Display Supervisor and Pyro-technician and feels that when people purchase fireworks safety is key.
Ferris manages two fireworks trailers in the area (one in Paisley and one in Orangeville) and says she sees everyone from people wanting a few fireworks for their backyard to people buying fireworks to set off for a community.
Ferris says its important to know your municipal laws and noise regulations and then ask the proper way to set the fireworks off.
She says follow the instructions closely on the fireworks package – make sure you have a water source nearby when setting them off – if the fireworks themselves do not have a base bury them deep in a bucket of sand when you set them off so they stay straight.
She also adds to respect the distances for letting them off and make sure you store them in a cool and dry place before setting them off.
Ferris says while fireworks these days run the entire spectrum of colours – the most popular colours used are still red and green.
Ferris says most fireworks effects are based on flower names like a peony burst and most are seen as the bigger the burst the more popular.
She amusingly adds that it is a pretty even keel that women purchase as many fireworks as men.
Ferris says as a Display Supervisor and Pyro-technician she makes sure she always asks her clients how much space they have to set off the fireworks and makes sure all clients are 18 or older to purchase.
Ferris says the best fireworks display is a safe one.