CNFA: Classes of Fireworks & Dispelling the Myth of Silent Fireworks

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Consumer Fireworks

Consumer fireworks are low-hazard and designed for recreational use. They include items like Roman candles, sparklers, fountains, volcanoes, mines, and snakes (Natural Resources Canada, 2017). Consumer fireworks are meant for public use and do not require a special certification to use. These are the fireworks the public can purchase from permitted sellers when local by-laws allow. To learn more about the classes of fireworks and how to safely use them, please visit Natural Resources Canada’s site on fireworks here

Special Effect Pyrotechnics

Special effect pyrotechnics are high-hazard and designed for professional use. They include items like gerbs, mines, comets, and crossettes, as well as special-purpose pyrotechnics made for live stage performances and the film and television industry. (Natural Resources Canada, 2017)

Display Fireworks

Display fireworks are high-hazard and larger in nature than consumer fireworks. They include items like aerial shells, cakes, Roman candles, waterfalls, lances, and wheels (Natural Resources Canada, 2017). Display fireworks can only be acquired, stored, and used by individuals who have the Fireworks Operator Certificate through Natural Resources Canada. Information on this certification process can be found here. Display fireworks are the types of fireworks a municipality would use for a Canada Day celebration, for example.

Facts on Silent Fireworks

Fact: Silent Fireworks do not exist

The reality is silent fireworks do not exist. All fireworks are audible, even if very faint like that of a sparkler. Whether it’s a crowd-favourite finale with a bang, or a crackling sound of crosette firework, all are audible. All aerial fireworks require an ignition charge to launch the firework into the air, which is audible. Many also create an audible sound upon ignition in the sky to create colourful displays.

Fact: There are quieter firework options

Although not silent, there are a variety of fireworks available to the public which are less audible.
They include:

Fountain Fireworks
Various types of Cakes, and Barrages
Crosettes
Whistles and Spinners
Fish, Horsetail, or Falling Leaves
Roman Candles
Rockets
Wheels
Mines (UKFR, 2023)

Quiet fireworks are loosely defined as fireworks that are audible on a scale between a product that is nearly silent, like a sparkler, and a product that created a whistle. (UKFR, 2023).

Taking a Measured Approach

In June of 2021, Halifax Regional Council voted in favour of continuing the use of commercial (display) fireworks at appropriate distances, based on staff recommendations. For events where the public will be within 90 metres of the fireworks display, pyrotechnic-grade fireworks are required; for audiences further than 150 metres away, commercial (display)-grade fireworks may be used. This balanced approach addresses public safety concerns while preserving the large-scale fireworks displays enjoyed during holidays and special events.

The referenced report outlines the realities around the myth of silent fireworks:

Silent” Fireworks Technical Information:
The term ‘silent’ fireworks is misleading. A report on silent fireworks by the Corporate Policy and Strategy Committee from Edinburgh, Scotland states “there is no legislative or numerical definition as to what is regarded a ‘silent’ or ‘quiet’ firework, and the fact remains these silent firework displays are neither silent or quiet”. The noises produced tend to be described as whistles or crackles.”
(Dube, 2021).

You can read the full report to the Halifax Regional Council here.

What you can do to prepare for your fireworks display

If you are planning a fireworks display and have concerns around audible levels, get in touch with the CNFA for guidance and best practices on what fireworks to use, guidelines on prescribed distances for types of fireworks, and how to help prepare the public for the event. The CNFA is committed to continuing to educate users and train sellers on best practices on safety on use of the products. If your audience has concerns, encourage them to bring ear protection for their own use as required and stay at least 500 feet back from the launch point. Be sure to always use fireworks only at prescribed distances to ensure those who are watching are safe and can enjoy the show.

Also, follow the ‘Be a Good Neighbour’ guidelines established by the CNFA to ensure you are properly prepared in planning, putting on, and cleaning up your event. These guidelines can be found here.