Fire chief pushes firework safety on Canada Day

Canada Day is here, and Canadianfire officials are reminding the public about the safe use of fireworks.

Chief of the Canadian AssociationofFireChiefsKen McMullen says people should remember that fireworks are essentially explosives and are dangerous when conditions are hot and dry.

More than 700firedepartments nationwide respond to at least one call a yearrelated to mishandling publicly available fireworks, McMullen saidin a statement.

In many jurisdictions, permits are required to use fireworks. In Vancouver, the sale and use of fireworks by the general public is not allowed.

The federal government has released safety tips for using fireworksin places where its allowedincluding making sure you follow instructions, havingwater nearby and not using fireworks in windy conditions.

Those wanting to use fireworks should check fire bans in their area, as fireworks can spark wildfires.

Large wildfires have already flared up in several provinces this year, including Alberta, BritishColumbia and Manitoba.While June was relatively cool and damp, B.C.'s provincial government has been preparing for a tough fire season amid provincewide drought.

For National Indigenous Peoples Day, Tkemlps te Secwpemcin B.C.'s southern Interiorhosted anaerial light show using drones instead of fireworks.

Fireworks can alsobe stressful for pets, and the B.C. SPCAsuggests pet owners consider avoiding using fireworks.

The society says pets should be kept indoors when fireworks are going off and owners should ensure their animalshave up-to-date identification in case they are startled and run off.