Canada Day and other summer celebrations are a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, but illegal fireworks can quickly turn a party into a tragedy, says Provincial Fire Marshal Dave Rossiter.

“Family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays are not only illegal, they are dangerous and can result in serious injury to the person setting the fireworks or to the spectators,” said Mr. Rossiter. “Fireworks are dangerous explosive devices and they should only be handled by experienced and licensed professionals.”

In accordance with the Fire Prevention Act Regulations, the display, sale and possession of fireworks is prohibited in Prince Edward Island. Fireworks may only be set off by a person who is licensed through Natural Resources Canada and has obtained a permit to hold and display fireworks from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

“Enjoy summer celebrations, but please make safety a priority,” said Mr. Rossiter.

For more information, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 368-4869, or go to www.peipublicsafety.ca and click on permits in the resources box at the bottom of the page.